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Article Considering how a Great Nonprofit News Org Might Cover the News

Press Critic Dan Froomkin wrote an interesting piece proposing how a well designed nonprofit news organization might cover the news.

From the piece:

“Imagine a national nonprofit news organization with a singular mission: To fully inform the electorate.

How would it operate differently than our commercial news organizations, which have failed so miserably?

I see four major differences. My ideal newsroom – freed of the obligation to chase advertisers and subscription dollars —  would be:

  • Accessible. It would meet voters where they are, on a variety of platforms, would speak to them simply and directly, and would be free to all.
  • Explanatory. It would take the time to define terms, explain processes, and unpack key issues. It would be unafraid of repetition.
  • Committed to fighting disinformation. It would identify lies, track their spread, and fight the right-wing disinformation machine.
  • Crusading. It would be an aggressive advocate for the citizenry, proudly populist, and unafraid to antagonize the powerful.”

Philip Hackney