New Media Makers Toolkit
See case studies, videos and resources that capture lessons from new media makers and their funders. Search the database of 180 foundations that have contributed nearly $128 million to U.S. news initiatives since 2005.
"Philanthropic foundations are increasingly embracing the idea that journalism projects can be a funding fit."
--Jan Schaffer
J-Lab Executive Director
Making the Most of Metrics
How to Measure your Web Traffic and Understand Who's Visiting your Site
Whether you're running a small hyperlocal community Web site or a large regional citizen media site, you can use free or inexpensive tools to measure how many people are visiting your site and where they like to go most.
"If you can get at how involved your community is with your site, you can get a good handle on whether you're serving them well."
Interviewing: A practical guide
for citizen journalists
Interviews are integral to good journalism. They provide more than just additional voices; they provide facts, expertise, balance, depth and credibility. Learn how to incorporate interviews into your reporting.
"Most people really like getting interviewed, I think. ... Regular people don't get asked their opinions very often."
Twin Cities Daily Planet
The Freebies List
for Frugal Journalists
In the era of new media, it's important for new skills to be learned to keep up with growing audience demand. From editing audio and video to using the Web for research and sharing, there are so many tools out there that can keep your site looking new and fresh.
"What's better than awesome tools that can improve your site? Getting those tools for free."
ABOUT KCNN The Knight Citizen News Network is a self-help portal that guides both ordinary citizens and traditional journalists in launching and responsibly operating community news and information sites and that assembles news innovations and research on community media projects.
Publications:
Journalism 2.0: How to Survive and Thrive.
Download PDF | Order Hard Copies
Citizen Media: Fad or the Future of News?
things we like
Graffiti: When the Seattle Times started reporting on graffiti in the region, they turned to their partners in the community to help tell the story and gave readers a chance to report trouble areas on a Google Map.
WSJ and Foursquare: The Wall Street Journal and social networking site Foursquare have teamed up offer tips to users while they explore New York City.
- Mar. 15: The State of the News Media
- Mar. 2: Lessons to be Learned by Legacy Media
- Feb. 18: New News Site Mirrors Others