Wikipedia co-founder Jimmy Wales takes an aim at getting rid of fake news though a launch of an evidence-based media platform. The Wikitribune news platform will bring journalists and a community of volunteers together.
The thinking behind Wikitribune is to ensure that you read a fact-based articles that have a real impact on both local and global events. And that story can be easily verified and improved.
It will be 100% ad-free.
The company says the platform will also not have one’s relying on clicks to appease advertisers; no one’s got a vested interest in anything other than giving you real news.
“The news is broken and we can fix it,” says Wales in the Wikitribune’s blog.
“We’re bringing genuine community control to our news with unrestricted access for all. We’re developing a living, breathing tool that’ll present accurate information with real evidence, so that you can confidently make up your own mind.”
The platform will hire volunteers who will be sub-editors and fact check stories, plus protect and improve articles.
“Articles are authored, fact-checked, and verified by professional journalists and community members working side by side as equals, and supported not primarily by advertisers, but by readers who care about good journalism enough to become monthly supporters,” said Wales in a blog.
The new site’s existence (and continued growth) will rely on donations to ensure an energetic surge towards media honesty.
“By donating to our campaign, you’ll play a critical part in an energetic surge towards media honesty. It’s a movement that we believe will eventually obliterate low-rent, unreliable news for good,” said Wales in the Wikitribune blog.
“We want to raise enough money up front to get us started – but we need your regular commitment to make sure we can keep improving and delivering on giving you real news.”
Wikitribune promises to publish its financials regularly.
