MEDIA MONDAY / I-NEWSOURCE EARNS 2 EDWARD R MURROW AWARDS

ONLINE NEWS EXCELLENCE— Recently, San Diego-based iNewSource, an independent online nonprofit dedicated to satisfying a need for credible, in-depth, data-driven journalism, captured two prestigious Edward R. Murrow Awards in the Small Market Online News Organizations in the coveted categories of Investigative Reporting and Hard News Reporting. 

The Radio Television Digital News Association based in Washington DC has been honoring outstanding achievements in electronic journalism with the Edward R. Murrow Awards since 1971. Annually, award recipients demonstrate the spirit of excellence that Murrow set as a standard for the profession of electronic journalism.

Joanne Faryon.

According to Lorie Hearn, founder and executive editor of iNewSource, both in-depth stories were reported, written and recorded by iNewSource reporter Joanne Faryon. The investigative report delved into how the Poway Unified School District spends a special tax called Mello-Roos. The hard news report was about former assemblyman and San Diego mayoral candidate Nathan Fletcher, and the abuse he suffered as a child.

As a result of the awards, iNewSource will join some of the most prominent media outlets in the country at the Edward R. Murrow awards presentation in New York on October 6.

A full list of 98 winners in 13 categories is found at the following link:

http://rtdna.org/content/2014_national_edward_r_murrow_award_winners?utm_source=Master+List&utm_campaign=5f9a941fd5-Newsletter_June_11_2014&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_c99e73181c-5f9a941fd5-134723093#.U5kYxI1dWmB

ABOUT iNEWSOURCE (from its website):

INewSource is an independent nonprofit dedicated to satisfying a need for credible, in-depth, data-driven journalism. We shine a light on government actions, account for public spending and prompt intelligent discussions that lead to informed decisions.

Our unique strength lies in the intersection of journalism and technology. This means iNewSource distinguishes itself by data-driven reports and a Data Center, which opens the workings of government to people in new ways.

Teaching, training and mentoring at San Diego State University’s School of Journalism and Media Studies, where INewSource is based, is a dual priority. This underscores our commitment to the next generation of journalists.

INewSource is collaborative, not competitive. As a result, our relationships with local and national media enable a powerful distribution network for its reports. Our primary partner is KPBS, public media in San Diego. Together, we have forged an Investigations Desk, which serves a broad audience with deep reporting through television, radio, print and the Web.

Collaborating with other nonprofit investigative centers makes it possible to explore common problems across the country and bring necessary attention to them.

INewSource’s business model anticipates multiple revenue streams, including an endowment to ensure long-term sustainability. It also relies on paid media partnerships, foundation grants, philanthropy, individual donations and sale of services.

INewSource, formerly the Watchdog Institute, was founded in the fall of 2009, in response to downsizing in newsrooms across the country and to an increasing void in thorough, labor-intensive journalism. The IRS granted 501c3 status in September 2010.