Clearing the cloud around nonprofit newsroom salaries
It’s a common sentiment that journalists don’t choose the profession to get rich. For competitive pay, though, nonprofit newsrooms are a solid option despite perceptions.
Data from the Institute for Nonprofit News’ most recent Member Compensation Study shows that nonprofit news outlets’ salaries are generally on par with traditional news outlets. Responses to the last survey, conducted in 2022, show nonprofit news outlets’ average reporter salaries jumped to $82,943 from $58,858, well above the national average.
For the study, INN members respond to a survey about salaries and benefits for 16 roles, ranging from top executives to interns — creating a resource that can help newsroom leaders gauge the competitiveness of compensation packages they offer and justify funding to pay new hires.
INN will launch its next biennial compensation study this summer and release results later this year.
Two INN Network news organizations will join forces: CalMatters hasacquired The Markup, which will result in a single integrated newsroom later this year. With a specialization in technology coverage, The Markup “bolsters CalMatters’ reporting at a time when the entire world is watching AI developments and tech regulation coming out of California.” Nabiha Syed, CEO of The Markup, said, “Pairing our proven methodology with CalMatters’ deep expertise will deliver unparalleled investigative journalism in California, and serve as an example nationwide.” CalMatters CEO Neil Chase and Editor-in-Chief Kristen Go will maintain their roles at the integrated organization. Sisi Wei will transition from her role as editor-in-chief of The Markup to a new role as chief impact officer.
Live community events will get a boost for the six local news organizations that participated in the American Press Institute's Table Stakes Local News Transformation Program — including INN members Enlace Latino NC and Blue Ridge Public Radio. Enlace Latino NC plans to use their $5,000 grant to host events in Henderson and Wallace, North Carolina, focused on enhancing civic engagement and strengthening relationships within the Hispanic/Latino community. Blue Ridge Public Radio will kick off the first of three Asheville-themed trivia events to gather “curious, creative and community-informed audiences.”
Kudos
The Next Challenge for Media and Journalism has announced this year’s finalists. Half of the Future of Local Journalism Division finalists are INN members: BenitoLink, Borderless Magazine, CivicLex, The Current GA and LOOKOUT Publications. This award honors “a local or regional news startup that excels at meeting the information needs of the community it serves or is pioneering a sustainable new business model for local journalism.”
Sixteen fellows make up The Digital Equity Local Voices Lab, powered by News is Out, Word In Black and Comcast NBCUniversal. Through the initiative, journalists will be placed at different Black and LGBTQ+ serving news organizations across the United States. INN member Menra Mapfumo (The Atlanta Voice) is part of the cohort that will learn best practices and report on stories of Black and LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs and creatives in their communities.
Congratulations to INN member The Beacon on receiving six Kansas Press Association awards for their work in 2023 covering Wichita and the state. The organization’s awards include two first-place recognitions, for feature story and for a story originating from a public notice.
People on the move
Caroline Hendrie steps into the role of executive director for the Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ) and its nonprofit educational arm, the SPJ Foundation. Prior to her most recent work as an independent journalist and consultant, she served as executive director of the Education Writers Association for 12 years. Hendrie previously held a succession of roles from staff writer to managing editor at Education Week.
