Journalism
In order to fund online and print publications, journalists are enlisting the help of crowdfunding[1]. Crowdfunding allows for small start-ups and individual journalists to fund their work without the institutional help of major public broadcasters[1]. Stories are publicly pitched using crowdfunding platforms such as Kickstarter, Indiegogo, or Spot.us[1]. The funds collected from crowdsourcing are put toward travel expenses, or purchasing equipment[1]. Crowdfunding in journalism may also be viewed as a way to allow audiences to participate in news production and creating a participatory culture[1]. Though deciding which stories are published is a role that traditionally belongs to editors at more established publications, the public decides which stories are are reported through funding certain reporters and their pitches[2]. Donating can be seen as an act that "bonds" reporters and their readers because readers are expressing interest for their work, which can be seen as "personally motivating" or "gratifying"[2].
Spot.us is a crowdfunding platform that is specifically meant for journalism[1]. The website allows for readers, individual donors, registered Spot.us reporters, or news organizations to fund or donate talent toward a pitch of their choosing[2]. While funders are not normally involved in editorial control, Spot.us allows for donors or "community members" to become involved with the co-creation of a story[2]. This gives them the ability to edit articles, submit photographs, or share leads and information[2].
Traditionally, journalists are not involved in advertising and marketing[1]. This is because crowdfunding means that journalists are attracting funders while trying to remain independent, which may pose as a conflict[1]. Therefore, being directly involved with financial aspects can call journalistic integrity and journalistic objectivity into question[1]. This is because journalists may feel some pressure or "a sense of responsibility" toward funders who support a particular project[1]. Crowdfunding can also allow for blurred line between professional and non-professional journalism because if enough interest is generated, anyone may have their work published[3].
Extra Info to add, (positive content)
Larger crowdfunding platforms such as Indiegogo or Kickstarter which are not journalism specific, may garner more success for projects. This is because these large-scale platforms can allow for journalists to reach new audiences[4]. In 2017, 2.3 million out of Kickstarter's 7.9 million users had donated toward more than one project.[4]
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j Hunter, Andrea (February 2015). "Crowdfunding independent and freelance journalism: Negotiating journalistic norms of autonomy and objectivity". New Media & Society. 17 (2): 272–288. doi:10.1177/1461444814558915. S2CID 21039809.
- ^ a b c d e Aitamurto, Tanja (August 2011). "The Impact of Crowdfunding on Journalism". Journalism Practice. 5 (4): 429–445. doi:10.1080/17512786.2010.551018. S2CID 54194660.
- ^ Jian, Lian; Usher, Nikki (January 2014). "Crowd-Funded Journalism". Journal of Computer-Mediated Communication. 19 (2): 155–170. doi:10.1111/jcc4.12051.
- ^ a b "http://www.niemanlab.org/2015/02/heres-a-recipe-for-successfully-crowdfunding-journalism-in-2015/".
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