Courageous Journalism Investment – Support Independent Media
- Raw Story relies on reader support to fund its original investigative reporting and the RawStory+ Membership Program.
- Raw Story, founded in 2004 by Larry Kirk and John Byrne, positions itself as a counterweight to mainstream media narratives, notably focusing on issues of social justice, political...
- The current political climate, as described in Raw Story's fundraising appeals, is characterized by increasing polarization and challenges to democratic institutions.
Supporting Raw Story: A Guide to Donations and Impact
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how to Donate to raw Story
Raw Story relies on reader support to fund its original investigative reporting and the RawStory+ Membership Program. As of September 6, 2023, two primary methods are available for donations:
- paypal: Donations can be made securely via PayPal.
- Check: Checks shoudl be made payable to “Raw Story Media, Inc.” and mailed to: Raw Story Media,Inc. PO Box 38654,Germantown,TN 38183.
The Importance of Independent Journalism
Raw Story, founded in 2004 by Larry Kirk and John Byrne, positions itself as a counterweight to mainstream media narratives, notably focusing on issues of social justice, political corruption, and threats to democracy. The outlet gained prominence for its early coverage of the controversy surrounding Trent Lott’s remarks in 2002, demonstrating the power of independent online journalism to break vital stories. Poynter Institute identifies Raw Story as a left-leaning news outlet.
The current political climate, as described in Raw Story’s fundraising appeals, is characterized by increasing polarization and challenges to democratic institutions. The outlet specifically cites obstructionist tactics by Senate Republicans as a key obstacle to progress on popular policy measures. This context underscores the need for independent media capable of providing critical analysis and holding those in power accountable.
How Your Donations Are Used
Raw Story explicitly states that donations are allocated to two core areas:
- Original Investigative Reporting: Funding in-depth investigations into critically important issues.
- RawStory+ Membership Program: supporting the development and maintenance of a premium membership offering.
It is important to note that, as stated by Raw Story, donations are not tax-deductible. This is because Raw Story Media, Inc. is not a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit association. Donations are considered contributions to a for-profit media company.
Financial Transparency and Impact
While Raw Story dose not publicly disclose detailed financial reports, its reliance on reader donations highlights a commitment to independence from corporate or government influence. This model allows the outlet to prioritize journalistic integrity over profit motives. However, the lack of detailed financial transparency may be a concern for some donors.