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Nieman Journalism Lab

American journalism is weaving its way through the most jarring transition in its history. Revenues are plunging; good journalists are losing their jobs; both readers and advertisers seem newly averse to well-established institutions. The daily rhythm of bad news has many wondering what future there is for tough, rigorous reporting in such a climate of decline.

The Nieman Journalism Lab is the foundation’s attempt to help the profession navigate these difficult yet thrilling times. It will use the power of reporting to ask basic questions about the future of our business: What’s working? What still needs to be tried? What needs to stop? What do audiences want, and what do they need? And how will it all be paid for?

The Lab is staking out partnerships around Harvard for help with these questions. It will tap the financial skills of the Harvard Business School, the resources and expertise of the Hauser Center for Nonprofit Organizations, and the sharp minds of the Berkman Center for Internet and Society. But just as importantly, the program will seek the wisdom of those outside the University who might offer vital pieces of the puzzle: Internet theorists, veteran business people, social media visionaries, fresh-faced entrepreneurs and, of course, the journalists who struggle with these questions each day.

The goal of the endeavor is to present an ever-evolving set of best practices that can be of use to journalists — both to established news organizations and to the new generation of startups, bloggers and entrepreneurs. Along the way, the Lab will be home to incisive commentary and discussion of how quality journalism can survive and thrive amid layoffs, buyouts and cutbacks. It is a direct response — decades later and in a transformed atmosphere — to Agnes Wahl Nieman’s request that her foundation “promote and elevate the standards of journalism.”

Joshua Benton
Director
2008 Nieman Fellow