The Media Justice Project is establishing an Alternative Investigative Journalism Fund. The first awards for  journalists/investigative projects will be given out  in early 2011 (pending successful fundraising). . If you are interested in contributing to this tax-deductable fund or in finding out more information please contact us.

Draft Description of the Alternative Investigative Journalism Fund are as follows:

Beginning in early 2011. The Media Justice Project will be awarding three Alternative Investigative Journalism Awards annually (pending successful fundraising).


GENERAL CRITERIA (For all 3 Annual Awards) 

1. New Journalist(s)

2. Mainstream Journalist(s)

3. Alternative Journalist(s) 
 

Investigative Journalism Projects Must: 

1) involve the collaboration and commitment of at least 2 alternative media organizations. The Media Justice Investigative Journalism Fund will provide 60% of the investigative project budget up to $3,000, with the remaining 40% to be provided by the collaborating alternative media organizations (e.g., 20% each from the 2 media collaborating media outlets). It is hoped that the financial amounts/awards can be increased in subsequent years.

2) deal with a local, national or global issue/story that has not been adequately covered in the mainstream media, but has great significance for people and/or our environment;

3) will reveal and communicate vital facts which can inspire action for positive social change;

4) will suggest concrete steps that people can take to learn more about the issue/story and contribute to positive social change. 


Although this might be considered "a drop in the bucket," nothing inspires like an example. Therefore, in addition to building this particular fund/award program, it is hoped that other such investigative journalism funds will be set up by other organizations throughout the country/world. 

Funding/Fundraising Note: Since the Media Justice Project is jointly sponsored by the existing facilities/administration/personnel of the University of Windsor's Communication Studies Department and the Centre for Studies in Social Justice, any funds raised (100%) go directly towards the specific projects.

 A Rationale for this Alternative Investigative Journalism Fund

"Towards Authentic and Collaborative Alternative Investigative Journalism" 
 
Paul D. Boin

In various progressive circles, and even in popular circles, many see the value of alternative (counter-mainstream) perspectives. I submit, however, that while there is much alternative opinion and perspective circulated within alternative media content, there is little alternative journalism in the alternative media (and the mainstream media). By journalism (mainstream or alternative), I mean good and solid investigative journalism. While alternative opinions and perspectives are indeed necessary to counter the faulty conventional "wisdom" of our day, if we (people concerned with positive social change) ever hope to build a critical mass (gain support beyond the "converted" and from the "unconverted") we must creatively, conscientiously, collaboratively and financially devote ourselves to the pursuit and deliverance of authentic alternative investigative journalism projects. Both progressives and the public at large (not to mention our elected representatives) need to see good hard (inconvenient) facts, uncovered through resource-intensive investigation, and presented with thoughtful arguments and appropriate significance. If society truly hopes to ever overcome the most pressing challenges of our time (war, climate change, poverty, economic crises, social injustice, racism, sexism, human rights abuses etc…), we must devote ourselves to producing and strategically disseminating more authentic investigative journalism. Collaborative strategies need to be developed and practiced for alternative media outlets to overcome obstacles (e.g., lack of resources, counterproductive competition, libel threats etc…) to fill the investigative journalism vacuum. "This, I believe" would greatly contribute towards inspiring real action for positive and lasting social change.

If you are interested in contributing to this tax-deductable fund or in finding out more information pleas contact us.