Journalism advocacy group seeks funding to write about Big Tech

The Save Journalism Project, an advocacy group that works to expose how tech companies have harmed the journalism industry, on Tuesday told The Hill it is launching an effort to fund freelance stories about Big Tech’s effect on vulnerable communities.

The group is aiming to raise $10,000 through Kickstarter. That initial amount would fund five stories, and the Save Journalism Project plans to continue fundraising after hitting that goal.

“One of the biggest challenges with freelancing is funding the travel, the research, and the time it takes to write the story, all before you can even pitch it – especially for journalists suddenly laid off and adhering to an unexpected budget,” John Stanton, a co-founder of the Save Journalism Project and former D.C. bureau chief of BuzzFeed News, said in a statement to The Hill.

“With this Kickstarter funding, freelancers will have the means to follow the lede, get the story, and educate readers before big tech’s death grip decimates journalism completely,” Stanton, who was laid off in January, added.

The advocacy group was founded by two journalists, both of whom were laid off in recent months, to bring attention to how tech platforms’ stranglehold on digital advertising revenue harms local and online news publishers.

Since launching in June, the group has funded a round of advertisements raising awareness about the issue and compiled resources for beleaguered journalists struggling with mental health issues.