Sduros Blog | Knight Digital Media Center

Find local data nerds, build a local data hub: Tips from Beth Kanter

Community News Leadership 3.0

Wed, December 3, 2014 | 4:52 p.m. PST

More local organizations and funders are eyeing the potential of using data to help inform, engage and serve their communities -- or to understand their community impact. But once you gather or acquire some cool, useful data, then what? Nonprofit technology expert Beth Kanter explains that most nonprofits don't have "data nerds" on staff. Also, Kanter sees a growing role for community organizations and local funders in the creation of local data hubs.

Chicago CivicWorks launches three local civic data projects

News for Digital Innovators

Wed, December 3, 2014 | 9:47 a.m. PST

by Melissa Kaplan

In Chicago, the CivicWorks Project recently released three new projects utilizing civic data -- furthering their goal to use content and apps to solve community and government problems.

Google boosts search visibility for mobile-friendly websites. Is your site ready?

News for Digital Innovators

Wed, November 19, 2014 | 10:26 a.m. PST

by Melissa Kaplan

Google's new "mobile-friendly" search label means now is the time to make your community engagement or local news site easily accessible to mobile devices -- or else risk losing local search visibility

J-Lab's Schaffer sees civic impulse driving journalism's future

Community News Leadership 3.0

Tue, November 18, 2014 | 8:49 p.m. PST

by Sally Duros

J-Lab founder Jan Schaffer sees an emerging civic impulse driving the future of journalism. As part of that, she sees journalism outlets that are more catalyst than commodity.

What makes open government really work? Paley forum

Community News Leadership 3.0

Wed, November 12, 2014 | 11:06 a.m. PST

by Amy Gahran

Last week in New York City, leaders in the open government movement explored where open government is heading next, what it's achieved so far, and what more it can do -- including in local communities.

J-schools and local news: Apply now for ONA Challenge Fund

News for Digital Innovators

Wed, November 12, 2014 | 10:19 a.m. PST

by Melissa Kaplan

The Challenge Fund is accepting applications from local news providers based in the U.S. and working in collaboration with a college or university. Applications are due Jan. 15, 2015.

Knight Cities Challenge on tour: Local conversations, connections

News for Digital Innovators

Wed, November 5, 2014 | 11:34 a.m. PST

by Amy Gahran

At an October 30 event in Boulder, Colorado, top Knight Foundation representatives addressed an audience of over 100 local people interested in learning more about the Knight Cities Challenge.