Category Archives: Analysis

To maximize your impact and efforts, engage with your community strategically. Janey Tate, publisher of Hy-Lo News, exemplifies effective collaboration in producing comprehensive election coverage, securing additional revenue, and optimizing her time—critical objectives for small newsrooms. Tate partnered with The Miami Foundation to moderate two candidate forums. The opportunity came about because she had nurtured the relationshipContinue reading “Hy-Lo uses strategic partnerships to flesh out election coverage”

During a presidential election, it’s easy to see politics as a clash of titans playing out in packed stadiums and brightly lit television studios, with millions in ad dollars spent to package candidates and turn out their supporters for one fateful day in November. But philanthropic funders have found a different way to support democracy,Continue reading “Local journalism: democracy’s low-key ground game”

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”

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”

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’”

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”

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?”

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”

Donor-Advised Funds (DAFs) empower individuals to shape the philanthropic landscape. Tech journalist Jason Del Rey recognized the potential of DAFs when he leveraged his fund to support the launch of The Pivot Fund, and our work to strengthen BIPOCTM-led publishers in local communities. Del Rey’s action showcases the flexibility and strategic giving opportunities that DAFsContinue reading “Support trusted local news and promote equity with DAFs.”

I’m passionate about delivering accurate and meaningful information to my community, so I used my journalism degree to join a Spanish-language newspaper, signing on as a consultant to bring the publication into the digital age. After a year of offering recommendations that went unimplemented, I left and started my own digital news site in Charleston,Continue reading “Spanish-language media needs to create a new legacy”