ABSTRACT
The nonprofit accountability news sector has moved from a rapid growth phase to seeking long-term sustainability. Much will depend on whether institutional foundations continue to fund the sector and whether smaller community and family foundations recognize that local journalism is as much a public good as an art gallery, education, medical research, equality, civic and political participation, and the environment. More state- and city-based nonprofit organizations may merge or enter into mutually beneficial partnerships with public radio and television broadcasters, which have established revenue streams and better infrastructure. Mergers and other partnerships can be difficult due to institutional cultural practices and a lack of familiarity by journalists of different media platforms. Journalism practice has always been impacted by external forces: recessions, technology, subsidies, advertising, partisanship, corporatization, and social trends. The longer-term financial sustainability of the nonprofit model is likely to be found in a combination of foundation support, mergers, increased donor support, and new revenue streams.
