New membership model gives Cuban news site financial, editorial independence

Readers of 14ymedio, a Cuban news outlet, can now play an active role protecting the future of the outlet’s fact-based, objective journalism through a new membership model. Reader memberships will give the news outlet greater financial independence, allowing it to answer primarily to its readers, says Alejandro González, development and innovation director. This aligns with the organization’s … Continued

Journalists, let’s invest in trust, not just expect it

We know trust in the news media is decreasing. I mean, it’s really not a pretty picture. Let’s start with this stat: A 2016 Gallup poll revealed that just 32% of Americans say they have “a great deal” or “a fair amount” of trust in mass media.

RiskMiner: An app for agribusiness

“Risk to the community, to people and to our food and fuel systems. We’re focusing strictly on agribusiness because that’s the focus of our news coverage and because it affects so much of our day to day lives.” said Pam Dempsey.

Tyus Monroe: A Talk Story, Write Story success story in progress

Tyus Monroe is a 2017 graduate of Hickman High School in Columbia, Missouri. She believes teachers aren’t engaging young black male students as much as other kids. That’s why she wants to become a teacher. “If I can do my part to get more black males in the graduating class, I’m going to do that … Continued

RJI Fellow receives investment from Missouri accelerator fund for chatbot tool

GroundSource, a community engagement platform founded by RJI Fellow Andrew Haeg, recently received a $50,000 investment from the Missouri Innovation Center Accelerator Fund. Haeg is completing an institutional fellowship in August with the Donald W. Reynolds Journalism Institute. He spent a year developing bots to deepen engagement at various news outlets. The funds will allow … Continued

Open the Room Project helps journalists, citizens and towns broadcast on Facebook Live

This week we launch the Open the Room Project, which provides community journalists, citizen activists and town administrators with step-by-step directions to build a scalable, affordable system for streaming public meetings, events and sporting contests. The project was inspired by citizen activists who are streaming town council meetings via smartphones to Facebook Live. Our work … Continued