As you can probably tell – this is a quick post to remind people that the Knight News Challenge is about to enter its third year.
For obvious reasons, I’m a big fan. I encourage anyone and everyone who has ever had a cool/crazy/different idea about how we can transform journalism to apply. This isn’t just about keeping our jobs – this is about ensuring that communities get their information needs met. This is about ensuring that the fundamental role that newspapers played (the fourth estate) continues – even in the face of their own demise.
That’s why I have no qualms pushing the Knight News Challenge, I believe in their mission. More than that – I love their approach.
It was probably best explained to me by Susan Mernit when she said (not a direct quote): “This is your chance to create digital poetry.”
Wow. How cool is that!!! I’m not really into poetry (Susan is) but I understood exactly what she was talking about. This was my chance to be creative – to be a creator. In another life I was a musician (I’ve never really mentioned it on this blog but I play four instruments) – so what I heard: “This is your chance to be a digital producer.”
That has been a guiding light for me. In the end – Spot.Us will be my vision. But what we need is MORE producers, poets, directors, etc. If journalism is to succeed (by name or in principal) – we need to encourage more people to take that leap and try.
I understand why many people don’t. Money does make things happen. But you have NO excuse not to apply to the Knight News Challenge. It costs no money and in the first round requires a minimal commitment in terms of time.
Here’s the home page (pending changes) of the digital “album” I’m producing thanks to Knight. What would yours look like?
