The Center for Public Integrity and its International Consortium of Investigative Journalists saw a 70 percent rise in individual donations in February 2017 compared to the same period in 2015. The 70 percent rise in individual donations in February 2017 shows a public increasingly invested in crucial investigative reporting. But as this encouraging trend emerges, traditional local print media is in a death spiral. Yet, a growing ecosystem of nonprofit newsrooms proves essential journalism can still be funded and delivered. Based on their increasing numbers and revenue, community-driven, donor-supported models will likely become the primary vehicle for vital local journalism, provided readers actively engage and contribute.
A Critical Shift in Local News
In early February, The Washington Post laid off nearly half its staff, a stark reminder of financial pressures even major news organizations face. The Washington Post laying off nearly half its staff shows a broader struggle within established media. Yet, nonprofit journalism start-ups prove journalists can still do essential work, according to The New York Times. Nonprofit journalism start-ups prove journalists can still do essential work, meaning local news is transforming, not disappearing, with innovative models filling critical information gaps. While traditional local print media appears in a death spiral, the same New York Times report highlights the viability of nonprofit models. The viability of nonprofit models highlighted by The New York Times suggests community reporting is finding new, sustainable homes online and through direct reader support.
A New Foundation for Local Reporting
The nonprofit news sector has expanded considerably, with approximately 200 nonprofit newsrooms operating across the U.S. The expansion of the nonprofit news sector, with approximately 200 nonprofit newsrooms operating across the U.S. marks a significant shift in how essential reporting is funded. These organizations collectively generate almost $350 million in total annual revenue, according to donorbox. The collective annual revenue of almost $350 million proves the model is not an experiment, but a rapidly scaling solution addressing the void left by traditional media. The collective revenue, largely from individual donations, shows a public willing to directly fund journalism, bypassing unreliable advertising models.
