The Clients
The practice of journalism is undergoing a dramatic transition. Both traditional and non-traditional journalism organizations are looking for ways to use the Internet to fill important information needs. Many of these online ventures, however, lack the expertise and financial resources to thrive in an uncertain legal environment and are in need of pro bono legal assistance.
OMLN clients include some of the most promising ventures and innovative thinkers in online and digital media, ranging from local community blogs to multi-national news aggregators. Network staff prescreen and evaluate all potential clients to determine their suitability for inclusion in the network, looking at the following, non-exhaustive criteria:
- Viability. We believe that limited resources can have the greatest impact when focused on ventures that are economically viable and/or sustainable over time.
- Adherence to journalistic standards. We seek to support ventures that practice the journalistic standards of truth, fairness, and transparency.
- Innovation. We're looking for ventures that are at the forefront of efforts to harness the Internet to revolutionize journalism and fill unmet market needs.
- Independence. The network will primarily support media ventures that are independent of the traditional media or corporate ownership.
- Original reporting. Preference will be given to ventures that create their own original reporting, or that use traditional news sources in new and innovative ways.
- Public interest. Priority will be given to ventures that serve the public interest, including those that fill important information needs or foster a sense of community.
Representative clients:
- An organization pioneering community financed investigative journalism
- A developer of news-based applications for social media formats
- A collaborative digital media documentary of American communities
- Publishers of hyper-local news sites
Looking for more information about the clients who have received assistance through the OMLN? Check out this booklet that profiles five innovative and exciting projects.
