Democracy Under Threat: Donate to Support Independent Journalism | Raw Story
The Fight for Independent Journalism Continues as Raw Story Seeks Support
As the year progresses, Raw Story reports facing a familiar landscape of challenges: lies, corruption, and political obstructionism. The outlet notes that Senate Republicans are actively working to hinder the passage of popular measures proposed under the Biden presidency. This struggle for democracy, according to Raw Story, underscores the continued importance of independent journalism.
The organization acknowledges the economic pressures facing the news industry, citing skyrocketing prices and threats to rights as a backdrop to its fundraising appeal. Despite these difficulties, Raw Story expresses gratitude for its loyal readership, noting over 5,000 subscribers who have helped sustain its operations. “If you’re one of our over 5,000 subscribers, we cannot thank you enough,” the outlet stated.
Raw Story is actively soliciting donations to maintain its newsroom and continue its investigative reporting. The organization emphasizes that subscriptions and donations are “crucial to the sustainability of the news industry.” They highlight that support allows them to maintain the “sanctitude of our newsroom when we’re needed the most,” and that they “cannot fight without you.”
For those able to contribute, Raw Story offers benefits including advanced, ad-free access to original reporting from both Raw Story and AlterNet, as well as exclusive investigative content. A monthly donation of $10 or more, or a one-time donation of $95 or more, unlocks these benefits.
Beyond subscriptions and monthly donations, Raw Story provides multiple avenues for support. Readers can make one-time donations through Kindest, or via PayPal. For those preferring traditional methods, donations can be sent by check to Raw Story Media, Inc. At PO Box 38654, Germantown, TN 38183.
The funds raised are specifically allocated to original investigative reporting and the RawStory+ Membership Program. Raw Story clarifies that donations are not tax-deductible.
Broader Concerns for a Free Press
The appeal for support from Raw Story comes at a time when news organizations are facing increasing challenges, as highlighted by recent reports. The Democracy Fund, along with First Look Media, recently announced commitments of more than $12 million to support an independent, free press, recognizing the economic and political threats facing the media industry.
The Democracy Fund’s Public Square program has been working to experiment with new models to reinvigorate local media and ensure newsrooms can fulfill their responsibilities to a healthy democracy. However, the organization notes that the political attacks on journalists over the past 18 months represent a “wholly new and potentially toxic” threat to a free and open society.
Grants of $3 million each were awarded to the Center for Investigative Reporting, the Center for Public Integrity, and ProPublica. Additional funding was allocated to support local investigative reporting and research into misinformation and trust in journalism. The Investigative Reporting Workshop at American University and a new program led by NYU Professor Jay Rosen also received grants to foster community-supported investigative reporting.
These initiatives reflect a growing recognition of the vital role a robust free press plays in a functioning democracy. As Raw Story continues its work, it emphasizes the importance of collective support in safeguarding independent journalism and holding power accountable.
Recent commentary, as reported by Raw Story, suggests that Republicans may have inadvertently created legislation that could harm their own electoral prospects. This underscores the importance of diligent reporting and analysis in a complex political landscape.