Informing the public.
Engaging citizens.
Holding power accountable.
Community journalism does that, and more.
When the Bill of Rights was drafted more than two centuries ago, the founding fathers incorporated their belief that local journalism was a crucial component for a strong democracy. In fact, Thomas Jefferson once said, “Were it left to me to decide whether we should have a government without newspapers, or newspapers without a government, I should not hesitate a moment to prefer the latter.”
But local newsrooms in western Iowa are facing a crisis. In the last 20 years, the exponential rise of social media and digital marketing has significantly lured away both paid subscribers and print advertising dollars. This monumental decline in revenue has caused many to reduce the number of issues printed each week, cut staff or fold operations altogether.
Newsrooms operating with smaller staffs are no longer able to provide a depth or breadth of coverage – therefore impacting the industry’s ability to continue its “watchdog” status. This means limited opportunity for enterprise or in-depth features on local issues, minimal investigations on accountability of local spending, failure to question board or elected official oversight, and much more.
Community Journalism is Vital for Civic Participation
The Western Iowa Journalism Foundation needs your help to ensure the important role community journalism plays in our democracy can continue.
Funding is urgently needed to support more local reporting positions that can
Identify truth
Debunk mis/disinformation
Encourage small government accountability
Nurture transparent communities
Bolster greater civic engagement
Encourage voter turnout
Foster civil debate
Elevate underrepresented rural voices
We’re asking your help to fund 10 journalists, at an investment of $50,000 each, to help sustain local newsrooms, build a sense of shared community, and restore civility.
How does increased local reporting promote and protect democracy?
Community newsrooms provide readers with the information they need to hold local government officials accountable and help provide an informed electorate. Research across the country confirms communities with fewer reporters or no local news source have seen:
Sources: Joshua P. Darr, Johanna L. Dunaway, and Matthew P. Hitt, “Want To Reduce Political Polarization? Save Your Local Newspaper,” NiemanLab, February 11, 2019.
Sarah Holder, “When Local Newsrooms Shrink, Fewer Candidates Run for Mayor,” CityLab, April 11, 2019.
Make a Difference that has Tangible Impacts on Local Communities
Rural residents are vastly underserved in many sectors. Due to growing news deserts and a lack of verified, trusted news sources, rural residents are especially prone to misinformation and disinformation spread through social media and other “rumor mills.” These residents not only need – but they deserve – professional journalism that safeguards communities and provides facts.
Your contribution to this special campaign will ensure small government accountability journalism and help create sustainable solutions for the important role rural community journalism plays in our democracy.
Donations are accepted both online and through the mail. IRA and other retirement assets can also be directed to WIJF. While any size gift is much appreciated, the following giving levels provide extra recognition benefits:
Intern ($1,000-4,999)
Reporter ($5,000-9,999)
Editor ($10,000-24,999)
Publisher ($25,000-49,999)
Founder ($50,000-99,999)
Watchdog ($100,000+)
Gifts cannot be used to control editorial decisions in newsrooms (such as what specific topics are selected, how information is reported or what sources are quoted).
The Western Iowa Journalism Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. While gifts may support specific community newsrooms, gifts cannot be used to control editorial decisions in those newsrooms such as what specific topics are selected, how information is reported or what sources are quoted.
For More Information…
To learn more about this fundraising campaign, or to discuss specific ways that you, your foundation or your business can help, please contact WIJF Executive Director Becky Vonnahme at 712.210.4974, or email director@westerniowajournalismfoundation.com.