Can the model behind the HuffPo's new venture keep journalism afloat?

As newspapers continue the struggle to adapt and survive in a digital world, just about everyone in the business is trying to figure out how to make journalism a profitable exercise in the 21st century, especially online. Charging for content is back in vogue, but charging for valuable content that publishers have foolishly devalued through ad-supported business models that don't look so great today is a tough proposition.

The Huffington Post, the American political news blog founded by political personality Arianna Huffington, is trying a new model. It has teamed up with The Atlantic Philanthropies and a number of other donors to launch the Huffington Post Investigative Fund with an initial budget of $1.75 million. That should be enough for 10 staff journalists who will primarily coordinate stories with freelancers, said Arianna Huffington, co-founder and editor-in-chief of The Huffington Post.

No comments: