Press Start will become the first global crowdfunding platform for reporters in countries where the press cannot report freely, potentially revolutionizing the way independent journalism is funded in the developing world and countries in transition.
The site will connect journalists seeking to report the stories important to their communities with people around the world who believe in a free press and appreciate its importance to democracy.
How then is this different from past and present crowdfunding platforms focused on journalism?
-- A specific niche of profiling reporters working solely in emerging democracies and the developing world who will mainly produce articles in local languages for local consumption and impact.
-- A central objective of searching out and highlighting reporters who would not have the capacities (experiences, language skills) to crowdfund on their own.
-- A restriction on who will be profiled (not everyone can simply apply) to preserve the quality and credibility of the site.
-- A priority placed on evocative journalist profiles, with extensive information about the individual reporters.
-- An emphasis on longer-term support, not one-off articles or investigations.
-- A close partnership with like-minded organizations around the world that are committed to the same goals and together can achieve collective impact.
For more information, please see our Kickstarter page!
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/787719815/press-start-crowdfunding-stories-that-matter