The Associated Press establishes sister organization to seek grants for supporting local and state news
- The Associated Press is creating a sister organization to seek donor funding for local and state news.
- The initiative aims to support journalism at both the AP and other news outlets.
- This move signifies a commitment to bolstering coverage of regional news.
In response to the ongoing crisis in state and local news reporting, the Associated Press (AP) has announced the establishment of a sister organization aimed at raising funds to support this sector. The new organization, independent of the AP, will seek philanthropic contributions to enhance news coverage at both the state and local levels. With more than half of the nation's counties lacking local news outlets, the AP has accepted grants totaling $60.9 million over the past seven years and is now looking to expand collaborations with nonprofit news outlets to address the growing need for reliable journalism. The initiative, led by the Knight Foundation and MacArthur Foundation, has pledged $500 million to bolster local news sources and facilitate their digital transition. However, the crisis in local journalism extends beyond financial support, as highlighted by concerns over the spread of misinformation and the rise of partisan news outlets impacting the upcoming election season. Tim Franklin, leading the local news initiative at Northwestern's Medill journalism school, emphasized the crucial role the AP can play in strengthening government and political news coverage at the state level. Recognizing the evolving media landscape, the AP has diversified its revenue streams by engaging in philanthropy, enhancing its news website, and seeking reader donations. The organization's commitment to providing independent, fact-based, and non-partisan news aligns with the growing demand for trustworthy journalism in the U.S. market. By exploring new products and services, the AP aims to address the challenges faced by the industry and maintain its role as a key player in the news ecosystem. As the AP navigates changes in the media industry, including shifts in funding sources and partnerships, its efforts to adapt to the digital age have been underscored by collaborations with artificial intelligence companies to license its archive of news stories. With a focus on sustaining local news outlets and promoting journalistic integrity, the AP's initiatives reflect a broader commitment to supporting the vital role of journalism in informing the public and safeguarding democratic processes.