This document describes a new model for crowdsourced, user-generated news called AssignIt. It aims to improve on traditional top-down media by involving users at every step to set the agenda, shoot content, and help verify stories. Journalists will still fact-check sensitive content and repurpose the best user submissions for wider audiences. The model seeks to establish trust while sustaining investigative journalism and giving citizens a voice to improve local communities. It is presented as a viable, compelling and impactful next generation approach to news.
1. social networks + professional newsrooms = next generation news improving lives & local communities Capitol News Connection March 2010 Capitol News Connection March 2010
2. The news business is failing… top down ‘one-to-many’ legacy cost structures Unresponsive Users want their news… portable, personalized, participatory – Pew Internet & American Life Project, March 2010
22. Where we’re going… 7 6 months Sept 2010 1 year March 2011 5 years March 2015 Sept: launch AssignIt 1.0 Nov: first major exclusive iterative improvements Jan 2011 launch AssignIt 2.0 March 2011 Droid etc. June 2011 launch new cities every U.S. city 500,000 contributors 10 major exclusives per city per year self-sustaining major media partners Benchmarks 10,000 Downloads 5,000 contributors 5-10 users per assignment 2-5 friends per assignment 5 exclusive reports 6
23. The Right Team “I joined CNC because AssignIt will be a game changer” Hoag Levins "I've been collecting and distributing user-generated content for years, but AssignIt truly brings the editor and network to the user, to transform populist activity into compelling, credible news” Richard Buck “During years in the finance, start-up and media sectors, I’ve seen transformative ideas and feasible ideas. AssignIt is that rarity: both” Mark Sauter Strong Management Melinda Wittstock CEO | Founder London Times | NBC Europe | BBC | ABC News | MSNBC | NPR | Capitol News Connection Hoag Levins VP News & Interactive Philadelphia Inquirer | apbnews.com | Editor & Publisher Advertising Age Richard Buck CTO Oracle | Eluma | Mirror Image | arsDigita Mark Sauter Special Advisor KIRO-TV | Inside Edition | apbnews.com | Parlo | Chesapeake Innovation Center | Legend Merchant Group The non-profit Capitol News Connection is supported by station, newspaper and web site subscribers, individual donors, corporate sponsors and foundation grants: Corporation for Public Broadcasting Center for Ethics & Excellence in Journalism Surdna Foundation Park Foundation Carnegie Corporation for New York Partners: Wisconsin Watch Texas Watchdog California Watch Investigate West Local Public Radio Stations 15 Advisors: Leading technologists, entrepreneurs, social media experts, investigative journalists 8
29. 11 Game Changer: Why AssignIt Should Win Targets the Underserved Hyper local Investigative Community involvement Diverse A New Sustainable Model High quality Low cost Hybrid revenue Scalable Establishes Trust Sustains Investigative Reporting Holds Power to Account Bolsters Democracy 10
