BrowardBulldog.org brings in $10K; launches re-designed website
FORT LAUDERDALE – BrowardBulldog.org celebrated its first year of operation in style Tuesday evening at YOLO in downtown Fort Lauderdale. Attended by nearly 100 friends and supporters, the online newspaper’s first fundraising event raised more than $10,000 to help pay for additional reporters, photography and expanded coverage.
“The backing and encouragement of our many supporters is very much appreciated, as we all realize how important the presence of quality journalism is to our community,” said Kevin Boyd, chair of BrowardBulldog’s Board of Directors. “Having these experienced and ethical journalists working in Broward County will do much to encourage the checks and balances needed to ensure a high quality of life and stability in our community.”
BrowardBulldog.org is a nonprofit investigative news site dedicated to reporting in the public interest. As traditional media falter because of declining revenues, a new model of journalism is emerging. By shifting to nonprofit public media where news is supported by memberships, sponsorships and grants, reporters are free to pursue those issues of most importance to the community.
Cindy Goodman of the Miami Herald; Dan Christensen, editor and founder of BrowardBulldog.org; and Beth Reinhard of Miami Herald at the fundraising event.
“Journalism is essential to a properly functioning democracy – that’s not a motto, it’s the truth. Our mission is to write the stories that are going uncovered because of lack of resources and changing priorities in our area’s traditional newsrooms,” said Dan Christensen, BrowardBulldog.org’s founder and editor. “We are filling that gap with original, in-depth reporting to give Broward County residents critical information they need.”
The event was also the official launch of a redesigned website. BrowardBulldog.org has a new look and features making it easier to navigate and engage readers. The new design includes a feature story, friendlier links to social media and search functions.
Among new additions to the site is advertising to support BrowardBulldog.org, and “See Click Fix,” a service that helps readers identify problems in their neighborhoods that government officials should fix or repair.
The site has racked up some impressive numbers for an independent newcomer. In its first year, BrowardBulldog.org can boast 1.5 million hits and more than 425,000 page views. The site is drawing more than 8000 unique IPs each month and should grow quickly with the introduction of sharing tools.
As always, the new site will contain the same vigilant watchdog journalism that has distinguished BrowardBulldog.org as one of the top investigative news websites in South Florida.
“Successful entrepreneurial news takes more than excellent reporting,” said Kevin Davis, CEO for the Investigative News Network. “It takes patience, a good business plan, and the ability to tap into local support. BrowardBulldog.org is an excellent example of the non-profit journalism revolution happening across the country and throughout our Network.”