JournalismPakistan.com | Published October 19, 2013
Join our WhatsApp channel
WASHINGTON: The founder of eBay, Pierre Omidyar (pictured), has said he will back a project with investigative reporter Glenn Greenwald which "elevates and supports" journalists and "allows them to pursue the truth."
Omidyar said in a statement he is backing the media project, details of which are still being developed. It will be separate from his philanthropic efforts with Omidyar Network and Democracy Fund.
The announcement came a day after Greenwald, known for breaking many stories about US surveillance programs, announced he was leaving The Guardian for an unspecified "dream" job.
Omidyar, a French-born Iranian-American, cited his "growing interest to preserve and strengthen the role journalism plays in society," and noted that he "explored purchasing The Washington Post over the summer" before Amazon founder Jeff Bezos sealed a deal for the daily.
"That process got me thinking about what kind of social impact could be created if a similar investment was made in something entirely new, built from the ground up," he said in the statement.
"Something that I would be personally and directly involved in outside of my other efforts as a philanthropist."
Omidyar said he was still in "the very early stages of creating a new mass media organization. I don't yet know how or when it will be rolled out, or what it will look like."
But he added that "it will cover general interest news, with a core mission around supporting and empowering independent journalists across many sectors and beats."
"The team will build a media platform that elevates and supports these journalists and allows them to pursue the truth in their fields. This doesn't just mean investigative reporting, but all news," he said.
Omidyar said he contacted Greenwald "to find out what journalists like him need to do their jobs well" and discovered that he was set to start a project with colleagues Laura Poitras and Jeremy Scahill.
"We had a lot of overlap in terms of our ideas, and decided to join forces," Omidyar said.
New York University journalism professor Jay Rosen said on his blog that Omidyar told him the project would be "a company not a charity" and that he was prepared to invest at least $250 million.
Rosen said Omidyar consulted him in September about launching a journalism project, and on Wednesday discussed details of the new effort. - AFP
September 25, 2024: The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) condemned the Israeli forces' raid on Al Jazeera's office in Ramallah, which resulted in a 45-day closure and the obstruction of reporting during critical times. CPJ emphasizes the importance of allowing journalists to report freely, especially amid ongoing conflicts.
September 25, 2024: Journalist Hadi Al-Sayed, working with Al Mayadeen Media Network, was killed after an Israeli airstrike hit his home in southern Lebanon. He is the fourth journalist to be killed by Israel since October 7, raising global concerns over the safety of journalists in conflict zones. Press unions demand justice and accountability for the targeted attacks.
September 23, 2024: Explore the rising voices of independent media in Africa, their impact on democracy, and the challenges they face. Discover how these journalists are shaping narratives and empowering communities across the continent.
September 07, 2024: Explore the future of investigative journalism in Europe, examining the challenges and opportunities facing the industry. From digital transformation to press freedom issues, discover how investigative journalism is evolving and what lies ahead for the profession.
August 07, 2024: Mexican journalist Alejandro Martinez, known for covering crime in Celaya, was shot and killed by gunmen, with his two bodyguards wounded. Authorities are investigating the murder amidst ongoing drug cartel violence in Guanajuato.
August 01, 2024: The Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) strongly condemns the killing of journalists in Gaza by Israeli forces. The union calls for international action to protect media personnel and prevent future attacks.
July 31, 2024: The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) has called on Israel to explain the killing of Al Jazeera Gaza correspondent Ismail Al Ghoul and camera operator Rami Al Refee in an Israeli airstrike west of Gaza City. CPJ condemns the targeting of journalists and seeks clarification from the Israeli Defense Forces.
July 30, 2024: Three Moroccan journalists, Omar Radi, Taoufik Bouachrine, and Soulaimane Raissouni, were pardoned and released from prison after reporting on corruption and abuse of power. Their cases highlight ongoing concerns about press freedom and political prosecution in Morocco.
October 03, 2024 Veteran journalists condemn threats made by TLP leader Anas Rizvi against senior journalist Azaz Syed, urging the government to take immediate action to ensure his safety and protect press freedom.
October 02, 2024 Cambodian investigative journalist Mech Dara was arrested on incitement charges by military police. The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) calls for his immediate release, urging Cambodia’s new leadership to respect press freedom.
September 30, 2024 The Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) has condemned an attack on journalists in Karachi by religious party workers, calling for an FIR and immediate arrests of the perpetrators.
September 30, 2024 Dr. Saadia Kamal has made history by becoming the first female president of the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ-Workers), a significant milestone for her career and Pakistani journalism. Learn about her exceptional journey, years of service, leadership in various media roles, and dedication to ethical journalism.
September 28, 2024 The winners of the Pakistan RTI Quiz Contest 2024, organized by the Pakistan Information Commission and the Press Network of Pakistan, have been announced. Promoting transparency, accountability, and good governance, the quiz highlighted the importance of the Right to Information and citizen empowerment.