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

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.

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.

Citizen Journalist's Guide
to Open Government

With newspapers cutting staff, there is a greater need than ever for citizen journalists to exercise the public's rights of access to government records, meetings and courts. Find out how to obtain records and what to do if you're denied access.

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.

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 citizen media projects.

Publications:
Journalism 2.0: How to Survive and Thrive.
   Download PDF  |  Order Hard Copies

Citizen Media: Fad or the Future of News?