Center for Austin Independent Journalism

Overview

The Center for Austin Independent Journalism is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering the community through independent reporting, diverse opinions, and civil dialogue. It operates primarily under the brand Austin Free Press, which serves as a digital, non-profit media outlet providing in-depth coverage of crucial Austin issues.

Mission and Objectives

The organization's mission is to ensure that Austinites are equipped to make informed decisions by focusing on local issues such as population growth, affordability, homelessness, and political misconduct. They emphasize the importance of a strong local press for a healthy community and functioning democracy. Key objectives include investigating local challenges, engaging the community, amplifying underrepresented voices, and exploring solutions that might allow all Austinites to thrive.

Activities and Strategies

• Investigative Reporting: They delve into critical Austin issues, offering context and depth to empower the community.
• Community Engagement: The organization engages with the community by meeting Austin residents where they are, delivering digital information in innovative and engaging ways.
• Collaborations: It collaborates with other local news outlets and community partners to foster a more connected community.

Transparency and Governance

Austin Free Press subscribes to standards of editorial independence, maintaining a firewall between news coverage decisions and revenue sources. The organization discloses significant donations and avoids accepting funding that might compromise its independence. This approach ensures that editorial judgments are made solely by journalists and editors.

Funding

The Center for Austin Independent Journalism primarily relies on contributions for its revenue, without any income from program services or investments. The organization's financial transparency is maintained through annual Form 990 filings with the IRS.

History

Established in 2019, the Center for Austin Independent Journalism aligns itself with the broader goals of nonprofit journalism, emphasizing the cultivation of trust through transparency and community engagement.

Classification

It is classified under the category of Arts, Culture, and Humanities N.E.C. for nonprofit purposes, with donations being tax deductible.