Nonprofit Research and the Associated Press
June 15, 2009
I am in the middle of an Illinois cornfield. I have just scanned a short item in Slashdot that points to information that seems to suggest a new twist for the AP. The Associated Press, walking close to a stream of red ink, will distribute information from a handful of non profit outfits. I urge you to read the Slashdot post and the full story, which I will do when I am back to the civilized world of Harrod’s Creek. Illinois makes me nervous. Here’s why I find this interesting:
- Non profit outfits often have an agenda. That agenda influences their reports, news releases, and activities with certain thought leaders. Outsiders may have a tough time figuring out what’s “objective” in my opinion.
- A non profit may be in the lobbying business, and as a result, the agendas are, shall we say, fluid. Distribution of microchanges will be confusing to some folks who expect a more predictable approach to what’s important.
- Non profits are subject to those who provide big infusions of cash. Distributing information from sponsored activities extends the impact of the non profit and its agenda with little opportunity for different voices to be heard when the message goes out.
With this decision, the AP seems, in my opinion, to be undergoing a significant change. It’s too early for me to determine if the change will be substantive, negative, or positive. I think non profits will jump at the chance to use the AP as a branded RSS feed in real time.
Stephen Arnold, June 15, 2009
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One Response to “Nonprofit Research and the Associated Press”
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Steve,
EVERYONE has an agenda, not just nonprofits. Each time a journalist hears from someone, they are hearing from someone with an agenda. Every press release put out by a company — which AP and others distribute — is just as biased as info from a nonprofit.
Perhaps a better route would be for AP to BECOME a nonprofit. It could then accept nontaxable donations and grant money from those who want and value a free press. It could eliminate taxes on its income, and its finances would become more transparent through its Form 990s.