As a journalist, part of the job is countering mis- and disinformation. But unlike breaking news, you don’t have to wait for it to write about it. Sure, misinformation is getting worse, with AI making it easy to create fake images and customize content for target audiences. But it’s also been around long enough thatContinue reading “How news orgs can innoculate audiences against misinformation”
Author Archives: Tracie Powell
Election resource guide: How local newsrooms can cover elections
Local news plays a crucial role in the functioning of democracy, particularly during local elections, by acting as the primary conduit of information between candidates and constituents. The significance lies in the ability to provide detailed, context-rich coverage that national media often overlook. By focusing on issues that directly affect your communities—such as zoning laws,Continue reading “Election resource guide: How local newsrooms can cover elections”
Everyone Practicing Journalism Today Needs ‘Energy for Ethics’
A recent radio episode reminds us that all people in all media must serve audiences in the most ethical way possible at all times. Media entrepreneurs, independent publishers and others working to provide accurate information to underserved communities can’t sidestep ethics. That is a fast way to erode the fragile trust the public has in journalists. AccordingContinue reading “Everyone Practicing Journalism Today Needs ‘Energy for Ethics’”
Meet Eric Ortiz, Pivot’s New Associate Director of Research, Learning and Evaluation
We’re always excited to bring fresh talent and valuable experience into The Pivot Fund. Eric Ortiz, a longtime journalist and founder of the Youth Community Journalism Institute at the Strong Mind Strong Body Foundation, has joined as Associate Director of Research, Learning and Evaluation. The Stanford University alum, who is based in Minneapolis, hit theContinue reading “Meet Eric Ortiz, Pivot’s New Associate Director of Research, Learning and Evaluation”
Pivot Publisher Series: Effectively Stewarding Donors
Kaylan Martin, principal of Blue Umbrella Strategies, and Kimberly Griffin, co-founder and Chief Revenue Officer of Mississippi Free Press, joined The Pivot Fund’s Kimberly Spencer for an insightful webinar on mastering donor stewardship strategies. The trio delved into the art of donor engagement with a focus on hyperlocal newsrooms and fundraisers of color, both facingContinue reading “Pivot Publisher Series: Effectively Stewarding Donors”
The Pivot Fund: Expanding to explore community-driven journalism in the Midwest
The Pivot Fund is expanding to the Midwest to explore community-driven journalism. The fund will work with local news outlets to develop sustainable models for covering their communities.
Essential Due Diligence Checklist for News Leaders
Earlier this week, a federal jury convicted Carlos Watson, the co-founder of Ozy.com, for defrauding investors and lenders while promoting his news media startup. His conviction will undoubtedly make it harder for other media founders working to do the right thing. Founders must exercise comprehensive and rigorous due diligence to ensure their business’s integrity, legality,Continue reading “Essential Due Diligence Checklist for News Leaders”
What makes the Tomorrow Pictures & 285 South collaboration work?
A documentarian and a journalist who follow Atlanta’s refugee and immigrant communities teamed up to give audiences a glimpse into the lives of young refugees from Myanmar. “The Third Country” is a collaboration between Tomorrow Pictures and 285 South. It is a film about Georgia’s growing refugee community from Myanmar, formerly Burma. In 2022, theContinue reading “What makes the Tomorrow Pictures & 285 South collaboration work?”
How a Landscape Analysis Builds Journalism from the Ground Up
At a luncheon last month in Atlanta, The Pivot Fund team showcased its innovative approach to supporting community-centered news outlets and the tangible impact of investing in nontraditional newsrooms. The event drew a diverse audience of philanthropists and publishers. Jean Marie Brown, Director of Research, Learning, and Evaluation, provided an insightful presentation on journalism’s evolutionContinue reading “How a Landscape Analysis Builds Journalism from the Ground Up”
A Pivot Fund case study: Making NOISE in North Omaha
The board members of NOISE – a hyperlocal, nonprofit, Black-led news site whose name is the acronym for North Omaha Information Support Everyone – knew they had an opportunity and a problem. The opportunity – public investment in North Omaha was set to rise, and the need for accountability reporting was higher than ever. NOISEContinue reading “A Pivot Fund case study: Making NOISE in North Omaha”