Campaign Overview: Why We Fund Community Reporters

The Community Reporter Fellowship Drive is a vital grassroots fundraising effort designed to counter the devastating effects of media consolidation on local coverage. As large corporations cut budgets and centralize news production, crucial issues facing marginalized and underrepresented communities are often ignored or covered inadequately. This drive raises funds to directly support independent reporters and citizen journalists who are committed to covering these essential local stories with integrity and depth.

The Problem: A Void in Representation

Ethical journalism requires representation. When newsrooms shrink and are dictated by faraway corporate headquarters, the diversity of voices and issues within the community suffers.

• Consolidated media often lacks the resources or incentive to cover complex local issues like housing, public health equity, and neighborhood governance.
• Many talented local journalists are priced out or pushed out by an industry prioritizing clickbait over accountability.
• This leaves communities uninformed and unable to hold local power structures accountable.

Fellowship Goals and Impact

The funds raised through this drive will create a six-month fellowship program designed to provide financial stability and resources to independent reporters. The goals of the fellowship are clear:

1. Direct Financial Support: Provide a stipend to fellows, allowing them to focus entirely on their reporting projects without financial distraction.
2. Resource Access: Connect fellows with legal aid, data analysis tools, and editorial support to elevate the quality of their work.
3. Community Focus: Ensure reporting projects are focused on issues of political influence, media transparency, and local community representation.
4. Public Dissemination: Guarantee that all completed fellowship reports are made available to the public for free through the Boycott Media platform and partner outlets.

How You Can Directly Support Independent Journalism

Your contribution is an investment in ethical, local journalism that cannot be bought or influenced by corporate interests.

1. Contribute Today: Every amount helps us reach our $50,000 goal to fund the inaugural class of fellows. Use the form above to make a secure contribution.
2. Sponsor a Fellow: Individuals and organizations can pledge a specific amount to fully fund one reporter for the full six months. Contact us for details on the sponsorship program.
3. Share the Drive: Use the hashtag #FundLocalIntegrity on social media to spread awareness of the drive and encourage others to contribute to this essential cause.