Lab part of $4 million new funding from Knight Foundation toward sustainability for publishers of color
Technology is a roadblock for many local media companies as they work to transform to a digital future. The Knight x LMA BloomLab, announced today, will tackle that obstacle head-on during a three-year immersive experience with 26 Black-owned local media outlets, with initial funding of $3.2 million from the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation. The publications will receive technology grants of $50,000, with additional funding expected to increase those amounts.
Excerpt from the Knight Foundation announcement:Feb. 21, 2022 – MIAMI – On the eve of the 15th annual Knight Media Forum, the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation announces an investment of more than $4 million over three years to help local publishers of color become more financially sustainable. The investment, which builds on Knight’s long-time support for diverse communities, aligns with Knight’s strategy to help journalists, publishers and newsrooms increase trust, reach diverse audiences and generate sustainable revenue models. [In addition to the Knight x LMA BloomLab] Knight’s investments include startup networks Capital B and URL Media, as well as the International Women’s Media Foundation’s Gwen Ifill Mentorship Program to increase newsroom leadership diversity.
