Wise words. This is why The Lenfest Institute owns, but does not control The Philadelphia Inquirer, either its news or its business operations. Gerry Lenfest believed that no donor, including himself, should be able to buy influence over the free and independent journalism he sought to preserve.
Here’s a thought: what if every nonprofit newsroom were to have a statement in its “Support Us” page that clearly states the terms of editorial and all other aspects of independence? And what if each newsroom were to explicitly point out this statement to all prospective donors? Then the only challenge would be for the newsrooms to stand by their principles, even if it means losing donations.
I have floated the same idea in front of the fundraising and development folks where I work, at a university-affiliated publication. It always draws a chuckle. Maybe I should count my publication fortunate.
He and others cross the line when they posit that the size of their contributions, rather than the power of their ideas, should dictate the extent of their influence.
Wise words. This is why The Lenfest Institute owns, but does not control The Philadelphia Inquirer, either its news or its business operations. Gerry Lenfest believed that no donor, including himself, should be able to buy influence over the free and independent journalism he sought to preserve.
Yes! Hands off!
Bravo! Good column, crucial insights.
Here’s a thought: what if every nonprofit newsroom were to have a statement in its “Support Us” page that clearly states the terms of editorial and all other aspects of independence? And what if each newsroom were to explicitly point out this statement to all prospective donors? Then the only challenge would be for the newsrooms to stand by their principles, even if it means losing donations.
I have floated the same idea in front of the fundraising and development folks where I work, at a university-affiliated publication. It always draws a chuckle. Maybe I should count my publication fortunate.
He and others cross the line when they posit that the size of their contributions, rather than the power of their ideas, should dictate the extent of their influence.