Originally published April 14, 2009 at 3:59 PM | Page modified April 14, 2009 at 5:30 PM
Comments (19)
E-mail article
Print view
Share
Former P-I journalists launch online news site
Laid-off Seattle Post-Intelligencer journalists today launched a non-profit online news site, Seattlepostglobe.org.
Seattle Times business reporter
Laid-off Seattle Post-Intelligencer journalists today launched a nonprofit online news site, Seattlepostglobe.org.
Former P-I reporter Kery Murakami — "I guess I'm the publisher" — said he and a half-dozen other former P-I journalists form the core staff, but more than 20 other reporters, photographers and editors have said they intend to contribute.
Today's home page features stories advancing the Mariners' home opener, another setting up this fall's contest for Seattle city attorney, and a column by a former P-I editorial writer.
The Post-Intelligencer's last print edition was published March 17. The newspaper's owner, The Hearst Corp., said the paper hadn't been profitable since 2000 and showed no signs of turning around.
The P-I continues as an online-only news outlet, but it employs just 20 of the 150 or so journalists who had worked for the paper.
Seattlepostglobe.org has little money — about $3,000, with another $3,000 pledged. "We're working as volunteers now," Murakami said.
The site expects to rely to a great extent on reader donations. Murakami said the goal is to get 8,000 people to pledge $10 a month to help pay full-time, part-time or freelance staff.
Seattlepostglobe.org also intends to sell advertising. Murakami said it has struck a deal with the Seattle Weekly under which the alternative paper will sell ads for the site and keep half the revenue.
KCTS-TV also is supporting the fledgling venture, providing office space and serving as a vehicle for tax-free contributions. Murakami said Seattlepostglobe.org and the PBS station are discussing other ways to collaborate, perhaps with former P-I journalists providing content for KCTS broadcasts or the station's Web site.
Part of the new site's purpose is to give former P-I journalists both hope and an outlet, Murakami said. "We want them to know that it's not over, that you can still write for us, even if you have to get a job at Wal-Mart," he said.
But many former P-I people still are sorting out their lives, he added: "I hope people don't expect this to be the Seattle Post-Intelligencer on our first day."
Eric Pryne: 206-464-2231 or epryne@seattletimes.com
Copyright © 2009 The Seattle Times Company
Chase shrugs off loss of CD investors
Sunday Buzz: Expedia, Intelius, Classmates slapped by Senate report
Denny Triangle gains skyline, but tenants slow to come
Your Funds: Money for nothing: Some investors pay for advice they never get

LA Galaxy's David Beckham
Los Angeles Galaxy's David Beckham talks about the upcoming MLS Cup final during after a team practice.
nwjobs

Post a comment

Michelle Goodman blogs about work/life balance.
How to tell your office you're gravely ill
Post a comment
nwautos

Choosing a new sedan? Weigh the impact of your choice on your wallet and on the planet.
Post a comment
- Italian lead prosecutor argues Knox motive was hatred
- Man shot in chest on E. Union Street in Capitol Hill
- Washington state wines make annual best-of list
- Lynnwood is reinventing itself — again
- Mariners Blog | A Mariners-Tigers swap makes a whole lot of sense for both teams
- Italian prosecutors request life sentence for UW student
- Craigslist adoption ad: A plea by young mother-to-be? A scam?
- Mariners to try Dustin Ackley at second base
- Genetics anti-bias law takes effect
- Mariners Blog | Dustin Ackley to move to second base; Mariners add six to 40-man roster
- Senate vote clears hurdle
195 - First key vote today on Senate health bill
167 - Mariners add six to 40-man roster
142 - Man shot in Capitol Hill
91 - Lynnwood is reinventing itself — again
87 - Italian lead prosecutor argues Knox motive was hatred
73 - Saturday links
50 - Bye week answers, volume four
49 - Prosecutor requests life in prison for Amanda Knox
47 - Historic health care bill nears key Senate vote
37
- Washington state wines make annual best-of list
- Nonprofits get creative using Twitter and Facebook to make donation easier
- Great places to cross-country ski for free (or almost) in the Methow
- Lynnwood is reinventing itself — again
- It's possible to recover a life lost to hoarding
- Recipes: Sesame Pork Roast, Sour Cream Mashed Potatoes, Gingerbread with Lemon Sauce and more
- UW provost tapped for Nike's board
- 175 foster kids in Washington get 'forever families'
- BofA moves to take control of Mastro building in Fremont
- Food-bank donations pour in after theft in Rainier Valley









