Knight News Challenge video series

We’re less than a week away from the deadline in our current News Challenge, which asks the question “How can we strengthen the Internet for free expression and innovation?” In June, we’ll award a share of $2.75 million, including $250,000 from Ford Foundation, for the best ideas. The deadline to apply is 5 p.m. ET. We will not accept late entries.

RELATED LINKS

“Towards a stronger Internet” by John Bracken and Chris Sopher on Knightblog.org

“Our future’s Internet strengthened today” by Jenny Toomey on KnightBlog.org

“A $2.75 million challenge to create a more open Internet” by Mark Surman on KnightBlog.org

“Creating safe spaces for innovation on the Internet” by Kwasi Asare on KnightBlog.org

“Refusing to unlearn a free and open Internet” by Shazna Nessa on KnightBlog.org

“Innovating to create comprehension of big data and the Internet” by Higinio O. Waycotte.

“Restoring equilibrium to the web” by Tyler Fisher on KnightBlog.org 

To help get the ideas flowing, we’ve created a video series featuring several thought leaders. You can hear what they have to say here.

Here are some answers to some of the most common questions we’ve been asked:

1. Can I apply more than once?

A: Yes.

2. Do I need to be an organization to apply?

A: No.

3. I’m not sure how much funding to ask for…

A: Don’t worry about the amount yet. We’ll dive deeper into fiscal details as we get further along in the review process.

4.  Does my project’s code have to be open source?

A: No. Depending on the circumstance, we have a number of funding options and structures available. See #3– we’ll work through this with you if your project advances in the contest.

Another thing to emphasize: in this News Challenge, we’re open to an array of approaches for strengthening the Internet: from tech tools to policy ideas to academic research to journalism– anything that advances free expression or innovation.

You can ask more questions tomorrow, March 13, when we will host a virtual office hour at 3 p.m. ET. (To connect, go to http://www.readytalk.com or call 1-866-740-1260, with code 9082660.)

By John Bracken, director of journalism and media innovation at Knight Foundation