This is our big idea: Journalism matters – and yet there has never been fewer working journalists in New Hampshire. There are reasons – too many to detail here, but consider the changes in delivery system, the rise of technology and WiFi, social media, digital everything – including advertising. High Schools and colleges with journalism programs are also disappearing as budgets get tighter.
Enter the Ink Link Inkubator program which we propose can make a difference in three main ways:
1. To “inkubate” and grow a news site that will provide news coverage in current “news deserts” where communities are in need of more robust daily news. That is how Manchester Ink Link and Nashua Ink Link were born. Can we plant more of them in places where people long for news and community connection?
2. Provide support and resources for NH journalism instructors as they work to build or enhance curriculum and recruit students for school-based instruction and publications. Through these relationships, develop a program to serve motivated local high school and/or college-age students interested in gaining education and experience in the area of journalism/communications as a career path. The Inkubator will provide curriculum, boot camp sessions, extended learning opportunity (ELO) credits for high school students, writing experience, and a pathway toward employment as reporters, providing guidance, education, and internship opportunities.
3. Continued funding in support of our ongoing Manchester Rising reporting fund, which allows us to pay reporters to develop and write stories that inform our community about the people, entities and organizations that are working to build a stronger city.
A word from the publisher
“This Inkubator program is aimed at nurturing and growing New Hampshire’s local journalism ecosystem – support for educators, opportunities for students and creating pathways for future journalists. And beyond that, we want to engage our community in this process because together, we rise.”
– Carol Robidoux, Manchester Ink Link Founder and Publisher
If you prefer to make a tax-deductible donation by check, please make the check payable to Local Media Foundation and write “Inkubator” on the memo line. Mail donation checks to Local Media Foundation at P.O. Box 85015, Chicago, IL 60689-5033.
Amazing Celebrity Journalist Endorsement
“Carol Robidoux’s lifelong commitment to journalism, education, and the development of young people has shaped so many careers, including my own. Her founding of a youth section in my hometown newspaper gave me my start, way back when I was a teenager, and I’m eternally grateful for her selfless efforts. I doubt I’d be writing today if I didn’t have that chance.”
– Robert Costa, # 1 New York Times bestselling co-author of ‘Peril’ with Bob Woodward
Thank you for your support of local journalism!
Ink Link’s Inkubator Program will incubate ideas and initiatives that connect readers to the issues that directly affect them, develop stories that inform and educate our community, and provide educational opportunities for students interested in journalism. Donations to Local Media Foundation for this project are tax-deductible to the extent of the law. No goods or services are provided in exchange for contributions. Please consult a tax advisor for details. The program is administered by Local Media Foundation, tax ID #36‐4427750, a Section 501(c)(3) charitable trust affiliated with Local Media Association.
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