An overwhelming
majority of Minnesota news outlets participate in our process,
and they and their trade associations contribute about 20 percent
of our $220,000 annual budget. More than 50 non-media companies support
the News Council, many of them through a public relations or marketing
budget (if the guidelines of their charitable-giving program preclude
that kind of contribution to us). Corporations contribute about 40
percent of our budget, foundations 30 percent and individuals 10 percent.
We work to promote openness and accountability in journalism and help news outlets open themselves up to questions and criticism from their readers and viewers. We believe that such openness promotes public trust in the media; something a strong democracy requires.
Our activities
include public hearings on specific complaints; public forums, mock
hearings for college and high school students; our television series
Newsworthy; a monthly e-newsletter, and ethics workshops for student and professional journalists.
The News
Council is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
Please contact the Minnesota
News Council if you are interested in making a contribution to
our work. Or contribute online now!
Erika Roland Development Director 612.341.9357
erika (dot) roland (at) news-council (dot) org