The Current GA’s Post

“To be a movement journalist in American media is to work from within the belly of the beast.” -Tina Vásquez To be a movement media maker in today’s landscape is to confront injustice head-on. It’s a daily battle against bothsidesism, harmful algorithms, and narratives that normalize oppression. But we’re not powerless—together, we fight back. Press On is a community force guiding Southern media makers from marginalized groups to stand firmly on the side of justice. Since our inception, we’ve reshaped how stories are told in the South, training the next generation of movement journalists and organizers, and funding grassroots movement media projects through the Southern Movement Media Fund. From mentoring emerging journalists to equipping them with tools to report from the frontlines, we’re building a future where Southern marginalized voices shape the media we consume. Our movement journalism model is gaining traction nationwide—proof that our work matters. But this work needs your support to continue. By donating to us, you’re fueling a movement. You’re empowering storytellers and organizers who stand on the frontline of justice, telling stories that inspire, resist, and liberate. 💪 Join us in shaping the future of movement media. Donate today and be part of this powerful movement. 💪 🔗 buff.ly/41w1RmL

Real reporting from Tucson Sentinel is the antidote for fake news — and right now, your gift to support nonprofit independent local journalism will be matched, 2-1! https://lnkd.in/gkePYbuV Give your tax-deductible gift today — and through the end of the year, every donation (up to $1,000 per individual) will be TRIPLED by NewsMatch (an important initiative to strengthen selected nonprofit newsrooms funded by a group of national foundations) and the generous local supporters of our Community Challenge Fund. This is a great opportunity to help us produce more of the award-winning accountability journalism you have come to expect from the Sentinel. That's right: each dollar you give to support truly local independent journalism about Tucson will be matched. Twice. And even better, if you sign up right now to give monthly, each dollar you give through all of 2024 will be matched. Pitch in just $25 per month to our experienced local reporters, and NewsMatch & the Challenge Fund will give another $600 to TucsonSentinel.com's hardworking reporters like Jim Nintzel, Bianca Morales and Paul Ingram. We want to keep growing in our 15th year, and bring you and the rest of Tucson and Pima County even more deep-digging watchdog journalism. We can do that with your help. This is the type of journalism that just cannot wait. If we don't tell these stories, who will? #journalism #tucson #news

What’s the secret sauce to any successful business? Not the strategy. It’s the way the strategy is articulated. That’s why respect for Evan Smith remains at an all-time high and this interview with him is a masterclass in articulating strategy vs. just having a strategy.

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No risk, no reward. 💰 You can learn a lot by doing, but you have to be willing to take the risk. And be patient. For nonprofit news organizations, it takes time to build earned income as a revenue stream. 🙌 Excellent conversation with Richard Tofel and Evan Smith, the founding CEO of The Texas Tribune from 2009-22 and now a senior adviser at the Emerson Collective and a professor of practice at The LBJ School of Public Affairs at The University of Texas at Austin. 🧠 Smith shared many smart ideas about how nonprofit news organizations can generate earned income from events, business sponsorships, and advertising. ✅ Some highlights: "I was the cheapest man in America over the years that I ran the Tribune. Because I really did believe that, as our friend Jim Brady said recently at the Knight Foundation Media Forum, there are two paths forward for sustainability in journalism. One is bringing in more revenue and the other is reducing your expenses. I actually think there's a strategy for putting on events at a relatively low cost. And I preach this all over the country." ... "Mission Local, SF is one of Emerson's grantees. It is a small organization, a staff of fewer than a dozen. I was just with the leadership of this organization last week in San Francisco. They cover the Mission District of San Francisco. This is literally the definition of hyperlocal. And I encouraged them to do community events at a small venue where they host a city council member or some community leader who is working actively on an issue. Joe Eskenazi, who is the editorial lead of the organization, is a well-known commodity. He's been a very visible and respected journalist in the community for many years, and he is an interviewer with chops. Joe Eskenazi is leading conversations with these folks. They've put on a number of these events over the last year that have been successful. They figured out on a hyperlocal scale that they can do a version of what the Tribune was able to succeed at on a grand scale. It's lead gen for audience. It's lead gen for sponsorship. It's lead gen for membership." ... "We need innovation and risk-taking in our sector from a revenue standpoint. If we simply are going back to the well every time, to the same funders or the same kinds of funders, then there will not be a sustainable path forward for the news industry. We need to be looking for new sources of revenue that do not come close to compromising the independence of the journalism." ... "If you don't have dreams, you have nightmares. My view is in this business, we need more dreamers. We need more people who see the potential for this. If we say this is hard, we can't do it, the nonprofit news sector will never go anywhere." #journalism #nonprofit #news #community

Did you know there are currently more than 200 U.S. counties without any local newspapers, digital sites, public radio newsrooms or ethnic publications? One is in New Jersey-Salem County. This data comes from researchers at Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism, who are worried that an additional 228 counties are at substantial risk of becoming news deserts in the coming years. This is something we should all be aware of because news deserts are bad news for democracy. The absence of strong independent journalism, whether location- or topic-specific, makes it very tough to find trustworthy news on topics that matter. Corruption is also a lot harder to uncover and root out when watchdogs don’t exist. At NJ Spotlight News we are reminded every day of the importance of truth-seeking reporting and analysis, especially during this important election year. We want to do everything in our power to provide the reliable, data-driven news that you need to make good decisions, engage with your community and thrive. But we need your help. NJ Spotlight News would not exist without the contributions of our readers. When you contribute to our state-wide newsroom, you enable all of us to be better informed, connected and empowered during this important election year. Your support and our commitment together can create real change and is an important vote of confidence to our news team. Today is World Press Freedom Day. We strive to serve our New Jersey communities with independent journalism that’s free of outside bias. World Press Freedom Day is a reminder of how important it is to foster solutions that make our communities and world a better place to live. At this time in our current world climate, this day is truly quite significant. Join us as a member and help keep journalism in New Jersey strong.

Movement journalism isn’t just about reporting—it’s about resistance. In a media landscape rife with bothsidesism, rising fascism, and dangerous algorithms, movement journalists hold the line for truth, justice, and liberation. Here in the South, Press On is building a media ecosystem that centers marginalized voices and uplifts liberatory movements. From mentoring the next generation of storytellers to funding grassroots projects through the Southern Movement Media Fund, Press On is shaping the media we need. This work isn’t easy, and it isn’t without risk. With increasing hostility toward journalists and nonprofits, our community's support has never been more critical. Will you invest in movement journalism in the South? By donating today, you’re fueling stories of resistance and helping Press On sustain this vital work. Donate today at PressOn.Media/Donate. Together, we’re reshaping media, one story at a time.

If you've been working to raise 💵 philanthropic support 💵 for your journalism, I've sure heard you've heard one of the following from a funder: 🚫 We don't support journalism 🚫 We only fund nonprofits, not for-profits 🚫 We have allocated all of our funding for this quarter/year As my colleague Frank Mungeam writes, don't let this discourage you! 💡 Here's how to overcome these common funder objections. And hint: You may have to apply (gasp 🤯 ) some tactics more commonly used on the sales side:

"Articulating the value of your journalism takes more than just sharing links. It’s about showing the impact of your work so far, describing your relationship with your community, and putting together a proposal that allows you to execute on this work." the latest on revenue building from Penny Riordan, Local Media Association If you’re looking to grow your work with philanthropic support, here is how to get started: https://lnkd.in/dVQVYQBy

Journalism that builds trust starts with you. At Resolve Philly, we believe in journalism that provides vital information and builds trust with the communities we serve—communities that have often been overlooked and underserved by traditional newsrooms. We engage directly with our neighbors, listening to what they need to survive and thrive. Whether it’s sharing resources at local events, hosting our signature Sound OFF listening sessions, or simply spending time in neighborhoods to understand information gaps, we are committed to journalism that creates real impact. This work is only possible with your support. From now until December 31, every dollar you donate will be matched dollar-for-dollar—up to $20,000—thanks to NewsMatch and generous donors. ✨ Your impact: $50 helps us spend time in neighborhoods where information needs are unmet. $100 helps us share resources at community events. $250 helps us host Sound OFFs—small group conversations that center community voices. Your support keeps Resolve Philly independent, community-centered, and committed to providing the journalism our city needs. Join us in taking on 2025 with hope, courage, and energy. 🔗 Double your impact today: https://lnkd.in/gf4wziaR