Free Press calls for national strategy to contend with the crisis in journalism

Free press has released an in-depth analysis of ideas and proposals being debated around the future of the news business and advocates for a range of short- and long-term strategies. The report analyzes the collapse of the traditional business model for news and describes the alternatives emerging in its place. The report argues that new policies are needed to sustain vital professional journalism while embracing digital technology and the power of the Internet.

1) New Ownership Structures. Encouraging the establishment of nonprofit and low-profit news organizations through tax-exempt and low-profit limited liability company (L3C) models.

2) New Incentives. Creating tax incentives and revising bankruptcy laws to encourage local, diverse, nonprofit, low-profit and employee ownership.

3) Journalism Jobs Program. Funding training and retraining for novice and veteran journalists in multimedia and investigative reporting.

4) R&D Fund for Journalism Innovation. Investing in innovative projects and experimenting to identify and nurture new models.

5) New Public Media. Transforming public media into a world-class noncommercial news operation utilizing new technology and focused on community service.