Crowdfunding enables diverse new frontier for journalism projects

A new study by Pew Research Center examines one of these emerging tools: crowdfunded journalism, in which projects can be proposed and funded through online appeals to the public. The report examined the 658 journalism projects funded through Kickstarter, one of the largest single platforms for crowdfunding journalism, from April 28, 2009 (the day it launched) through Sept. 15, 2015. Though the revenue involved and amount of content produced are nowhere near what comes through the more mainstream media, crowdfunding can help bring to reality work that might otherwise not see the light of day. One striking characteristic of these projects is the wide range of initiatives that have received funding. Among the findings:

• Many serious journalism projects received crowdfunding, but the form allows for projects about less weighty matters as well.
• Both traditional and high-tech projects have found funding.
• Seven-in-ten funded projects (71%) have been produced by individuals.