By Ben Cohen
This is the best news serious journalists have heard in a good few years. From Arianna Huffington:
As the newspaper industry continues to contract, one of the most commonly voiced fears is that serious investigative journalism will be among the victims of the scaleback. And, indeed, many newspapers are drastically reducing their investigative teams. Yet, given the multiple crises we are living through, investigative journalism is all the more important. As a result, all who recognize the indispensable role good journalism plays in our democracy are looking for ways to preserve it during this transitional period for the media. For too long, whether it's coverage of the war in Iraq or the economic meltdown, we've had too many autopsies and not enough biopsies. The HuffFund is our attempt to change this. It will also provide new opportunities for seasoned journalists who have been laid off or forced into early retirement.
As a journalist, this is music to my ears. The lack of money for people serious about the profession means the industry cannot attract top talent. As a result, everyone suffers as power is left unchecked. It's not the answer to the collapse of journalism, but it will help. And right now, a little can go a long way.
