THE THREAD OF AN IDEA:
It is patently obvious to anyone paying attention that we have run-up against the limits of what commercial journalism can do for us (or to us). But it’s silly and unproductive to suggest only non-profit journalism can produce good … 1/12
It is patently obvious to anyone paying attention that we have run-up against the limits of what commercial journalism can do for us (or to us). But it’s silly and unproductive to suggest only non-profit journalism can produce good … 1/12
journalism. It’s a) not true, and b) not practical because it would never scale.
But that doesn’t mean a hybrid model could not work. I think I have one such model that might.
Put aside the issues of bias, skew or story allocation for a moment, and just consider … 2/12
But that doesn’t mean a hybrid model could not work. I think I have one such model that might.
Put aside the issues of bias, skew or story allocation for a moment, and just consider … 2/12
the broad concept of what I call “Public Benefit Products (PBPs)”
Major brands (Apple, GM, GE, etc) would register a PBP product and if it complies with the rules, get a 100% tax break for (only) designated unique or “special edition” products. (An Apple Watch, … 3/12
Major brands (Apple, GM, GE, etc) would register a PBP product and if it complies with the rules, get a 100% tax break for (only) designated unique or “special edition” products. (An Apple Watch, … 3/12
Olympics edition, an F150 gold plated edition.or whatever).
The untaxed profit on the PBP is split, 70/30 (or whatever) with non-profit “Assignment Editors” who allocate annual salaries and special project compensation to eligible journalists in specific … 4/12
The untaxed profit on the PBP is split, 70/30 (or whatever) with non-profit “Assignment Editors” who allocate annual salaries and special project compensation to eligible journalists in specific … 4/12
subfields.
Annual full-time “fellows” are nominated by other journalists (sort of like Heisman trophies are voted-up by sports reporters). (These details are all resolvable.)
The PBP “host” manufacturer gets a modest tax-free compensation, and can use the good … 5/12
Annual full-time “fellows” are nominated by other journalists (sort of like Heisman trophies are voted-up by sports reporters). (These details are all resolvable.)
The PBP “host” manufacturer gets a modest tax-free compensation, and can use the good … 5/12
will of the program and the public good will to test out and market new products and services.
The supported story categories (not specific stories) are published on the product packaging, ad, and ephemera. If a consumer doesn’t like the category, a) find another … 6/12
The supported story categories (not specific stories) are published on the product packaging, ad, and ephemera. If a consumer doesn’t like the category, a) find another … 6/12
PBP host to their liking, b) not buy at all, or c) pound sand.
Of course, the same model could also support many bloggers (who would apply to the program and be approved by appropriate process—in different ideological camps).
It’s a public/private hybrid concept … 7/12
Of course, the same model could also support many bloggers (who would apply to the program and be approved by appropriate process—in different ideological camps).
It’s a public/private hybrid concept … 7/12
I think could work almost immediately, raise tens of millions for vital journalism and cost very little to design and implement. Pilot funding could come from smaller family foundations focused on Journalism (e.g., @ruthannharnisch ), while later larger projects … 8/12
@ruthannharnisch and scaling would come later from @knightfdn and other big dogs.
If the PBP concept works for journalism, it could also work for educational research, medical research, the humanities, etc. It could become so popular to marketers that they compete with each other … 9/12
If the PBP concept works for journalism, it could also work for educational research, medical research, the humanities, etc. It could become so popular to marketers that they compete with each other … 9/12
@ruthannharnisch @knightfdn for new PBP offerings.
Once it works nationally, then it can be extended into local markets, too (car, boat and equipment dealers, etc.).
If you like this concept and think it’s at least worth experimenting with, please make an effort to RT and share it. And then … 10/12
Once it works nationally, then it can be extended into local markets, too (car, boat and equipment dealers, etc.).
If you like this concept and think it’s at least worth experimenting with, please make an effort to RT and share it. And then … 10/12
@ruthannharnisch @knightfdn push your blue-checked friends and heroes to do likewise. (One big celebrity RT generates more interest than a thousand endorsements do.)
Our culture, nation and planet are facing multiple intractable crises. We just cannot wait for industry, politicians and … 11/12
Our culture, nation and planet are facing multiple intractable crises. We just cannot wait for industry, politicians and … 11/12
