News Creators Project Report Unveils Insights into the Evolving Facts Landscape
Table of Contents
The News Creators Project Report draws on a wealth of research conducted in three phases, including in-depth interviews wiht 15+ creators and 25+ Advisory Board experts – which includes creators from YouTube, TikTok, Substack and Instagram.
A synthesis of academic research, platform standards, real-world practices, existing frameworks and adapted journalism principles has resulted in a wealth of insights and resources, including a typology for news creators, guidelines and a diagnostic tool to ensure financial sustainability.
This comprehensive dive into how news creators are impacting the information highway delivers deep insights into 11 emerging themes, unpacked in a Webinar to mark the launch of the report this week.Panelists included Vitus “V” Spehar, founder and editor of Under the Desk News, To ben rearinVP of audio and video at Politico and Sruthi gottipati founder of Spot On News – each reflecting the diversity of players in the space, with news creators identified in the report across three main segments as: investigators, explainers, and commentators.
These can shift, and overlap.
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An ongoing evolution
On her homepage, Spehar describes herself a TikToker, political advocate and “general good friend.” A baker in a previous life, she’s also one of the few on the Advisory Board for The News Creator Project with no previous journalism experience. She doe###The rise of the news creator
The media landscape is changing. Alongside established news organisations, a growing number of self-reliant news creators are emerging – individuals and small teams producing original journalism, frequently enough reaching highly engaged audiences through social media and other digital platforms. These creators are filling critical information gaps, especially in local communities and for under-served audiences.
However, news creators often lack the resources, training, and support systems available to traditional newsrooms. This leaves them vulnerable to misinformation, financial instability, and burnout.
Actionable recommendations
To offer news creators the support systems they need to thrive:
- Offer ethics, verification, fact-checking and responsible sharing training tailored to creators – especially for AI use
- Build recognition schemes that reward impactful, credible creator journalism
- Encourage platforms to prioritise original reporting and responsible information sharing through algorithms and tools
- Develop structured support programmes that guide creators toward financial sustainability
- Create funding pathways that treat creators as small, independent news businesses
- localise support for creators working in restricted, low-income, or high-risk markets
Global News Gaps Project Offers support to Digital Native News Organizations
The Google News Initiative (GNI), in collaboration with WAN-IFRA and FT Strategies, has launched the Global News Gaps project to support digital native news organizations and news creators.The project aims to better understand the challenges faced by news creators and identify ways to help them thrive in the evolving media landscape.
Key resources Created:
segmentation Taxonomy: A framework to help funders, platforms, and peers understand the diverse landscape of News Creators.
Information Guidelines: Co-created guidelines to assist creators in producing accurate, reliable, and valuable information.
Diagnostic Tool: A tool for creators to assess their financial sustainability and receive tailored recommendations for advancement.
Project Benefits:
The Global News Gaps Project will provide support to 300 selected digital native news organizations and news creators, including:
Strategy consultations from FT Strategies.
Long-term growth product training from GNI trainers.
An annual AP content package for at least 150 participants.
* Two years of membership to WAN-IFRA for at least 150 participants.
Submission information:
The application deadline has been extended to september 8th. Interested organizations and creators can apply here.