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| For Immediate ReleaseDate: July 2, 2012Contact: Kitty Barran, Director of Development, 954-817-3434 or [email protected]Re: BrowardBulldog.org welcomes two veteran journalists to its board of directorsFORT LAUDERDALE – Former St. Louis Post-Dispatch Editor Ellen Soeteber and Broward marketing executive Darcie Lunsford have been elected to the board of directors of South Florida’s first independent, nonprofit, nonpartisan source of watchdog news.“We are indeed fortunate to be able to add two outstanding journalists to our organization as we continue to grow and get stronger,” said BrowardBulldog.org chairman Gene Cryer.Ellen Soeteber’s leadership put her on the masthead of three major U.S. newspapers. She moved up through the ranks of the Chicago Tribune, working as a reporter, copy editor, metro editor, associate managing editor and deputy editor of the editorial board. She was named managing editor of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel in 1994 and editor of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch in 2001 – the only woman to hold the post in the paper’s 134-year history.Awards won by her staffs include the Pulitzer Prize, the Education Writers Association’s Grand Prize, the Society of Professional Journalists’ top award for deadline news (for coverage of the Gianni Versace murder in Miami Beach), and World Press and Pictures of the Year photo honors.Soeteber, a Fort Lauderdale resident, is a graduate of Northwestern University and a recipient of a journalism fellowship at the University of Michigan. She was the Edith Kinney Gaylord Visiting Professor in Journalism in ethics and diversity at Arizona State University’s Cronkite School of Journalism in 2008.Darcie Lunsford is director of business development and marketing for Butters Group, a privately held real estate firm based in Coconut Creek. Prior to that, she spent 22 years as a journalist. Most recently, she was a senior editor at the South Florida Business Journal and held the office of national president-elect of the Society of Professional Journalists, the nation’s oldest and largest journalism and free press advocacy organization. She is also immediate past-president of SPJ’s South Florida Pro Chapter.At the Business Journal, Lunsford covered South Florida real estate and the economy for 14 years as both a print and broadcast editor. She is a former on-air correspondent for WPLG Local 10 in Miami, WPBF TV-25 in Palm Beach Gardens and reported business stories for WPTV TV-5, the NBC station in West Palm Beach. She also held staff writing positions at the Daily Business Review and several other daily newspapers.Broward Bulldog.org’s other board members are: Gene Cryer, former editor of the Sun-Sentinel; Florence Beth Snyder, First Amendment attorney and former Administrative Law Judge in the Southern District of Florida; Kevin Boyd, Owner of Boyd Public Relations and former managing editor of the Hollywood Sun-Tattler; Lisa Gibbs, Senior Writer at MONEY magazine and former executive business editor of The Miami Herald; Jay Alexander, Chairman of InTown Publishing & Intown411.com; and Kitty Barran, Grants Manager at 211 Broward and former media relations consultant for Zurich Financial Services, United Kingdom.-30-BrowardBulldog.org is an independent online-only newspaper created to provide authoritative local reporting in the public interest. We are Florida’s first non-profit regional news site staffed by veteran, professional journalists. Our reporters provide issue-oriented and investigative coverage of government, politics, the courts, education, business, the environment, health and public safety.Kitty Barran/Director of Development/www.browardbulldog.org/[email protected]/954-817-3434For immediate releaseDate: February 29, 2012Contact: Dan Christensen, Editor, 954-603-1351 or [email protected]: BrowardBulldog.org Wins Rising Star Non-Profit Academy AwardFORT LAUDERDALE – BrowardBulldog.org was pleased to be named the recipient of the Rising Star honor at the 2nd Annual 2012 BankAtlantic Non-Profit Academy Awards on Friday, Feb. 24. The prestigious accolade was presented at a luncheon ceremony attended by more than 600 of the county’s business, non-profit, municipal and philanthropic leaders at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Hollywood.The awards recognize and bring awareness to the collective work and impact of thousands of non-profit organizations and leaders serving Broward County.“If we didn’t know it before, we do now — the community at large knows we’re here and is paying attention,” said Dan Christensen, BrowardBulldog.org founder and editor.The event benefits 2-1-1 Broward, the only agency in the county that provides 24/7 comprehensive helpline services to anyone seeking emotional support, crisis/suicide intervention, information, needs assessment and referrals to health and human services agencies. Although a federally mandated service, 2-1-1 call centers receive no financial support from the federal government and rely on the support of businesses, foundations, government agencies and individual donors.2-1-1 Broward created the non-profit sector’s most respected honor. The Non-Profit Academy Awards acknowledge the highest level of achievement and seeks to encourage exceptional levels of quality and commitment in charitable and service organizations.This year 97 nominations were submitted; seven in the Rising Star category. The Rising Star award goes to a young, small non-profit organization “that exhibits potential for growth and greater impact.” Broward Bulldog won over two more traditional finalists: KidSafe Foundation and the Crockett Foundation, a youth education group run by former National Football League players Zack and Henri Crockett.
Broward Bulldog has become something unique in South Florida in just a couple of years – a nonprofit, independent and nonpartisan news organization that’s providing authoritative reporting in the public interest while upholding high standards of fairness and accuracy. “This public recognition is a real milestone for us, and it happened because of the much-needed and quality journalism produced by our dedicated reporters and editors and supported by our staff and board,” Christensen concluded. -30- BrowardBulldog.org is an independent online-only newspaper created to provide authoritative local reporting in the public interest. We are Florida’s first non-profit regional news site staffed by veteran, professional journalists. Our reporters provide issue-oriented and investigative coverage of government, politics, the courts, education, business, the environment, health and public safety. Kitty Barran/Director of Development/www.browardbulldog.org/ [email protected]/954-817-3434
For immediate release Date: February 15, 2012 Contact: Dan Christensen, Editor, 954-603-1351 or [email protected] Re: BrowardBulldog.org names 2012 Board of Directors; nominated for Non-Profit Academy Award FORT LAUDERDALE – BrowardBulldog.org welcomed a new board chair this week. Former Sun-Sentinel editor Gene Cryer, who is now a local author, takes the helm of the non-profit investigative news outlet. “When I retired, I never imagined that I would return to journalism in any form,” said Cryer. “However, the opportunity to be involved in the growth of BrowardBulldog.org and a new approach to investigative journalism was too attractive to reject.” Rounding out BrowardBulldog.org’s board of directors for the next year are: Florence Beth Snyder, First Amendment attorney and former Administrative Law Judge in the Southern District of Florida; Kevin Boyd, Owner of Boyd Public Relations and former managing editor of the Hollywood Sun-Tattler; Lisa Gibbs, Senior Writer at MONEY magazine and former executive business editor of The Miami Herald; Jay Alexander, Chairman of InTown Publishing & Intown411.com; and Kitty Barran, Grants Manager at 211 Broward and former media relations consultant for Zurich Financial Services, United Kingdom. Barran has been serving as pro-bono director of development for BrowardBulldog.org since its launch in October 2009. Florida’s first independent and non-profit news organization experienced solid growth in 2011. Working with a troop of experienced free-lance reporters, the number of stories posted on the BrowardBulldog.org website increased from 56 in 2010 to 77 in 2011. The site now consistently attracts nearly 18,000 unique visitors and 120,000 page views per month; has more than 650 Facebook fans and reaches out to 550 Twitter followers. Compelling stories in 2011 included exclusive coverage of Broward’s billion dollar trash wars, Hallandale Beach’s questionable land purchases, a costly deal and lack of lobbyist registration at the South Florida Water Management District, Broward College’s controversial police training procedures, developments in the Adam Walsh murder case, missing $1.7 million in Lauderdale Lakes, and a series of articles about alleged ties between 9/11 hijackers and a South Florida Saudi family. BrowardBulldog.org journalists won their first Society of Professional Journalists’ Sunshine State awards in 2011 taking home honors for investigative reporting in two categories. Broward Bulldog has a content-sharing agreement with Reuters through its Investigative News Network affiliation, and a similar arrangement with 100Reporters. Editor Dan Christensen is now one of more than 30 North American journalists feeding into 100Reporters’ constant stream of stories from around the world. Earlier this year Broward Bulldog added video to its previously text-only format snagging a timely interview with Broward Supervisor of Elections Brenda Snipes. In January, BrowardBulldog.org was nominated for the Non-Profit Academy Awards Rising Star award which will be presented at a luncheon ceremony at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino on February 24. -30- BrowardBulldog.org is an independent online-only newspaper created to provide authoritative local reporting in the public interest. We are Florida’s first non-profit regional news site staffed by veteran, professional journalists. Our reporters provide issue-oriented and investigative coverage of government, politics, the courts, education, business, the environment, health and public safety.
For immediate release Date: Dec. 28, 2011 Contact: Kitty Barran, Director of Development, 954-817-3434 or [email protected] BrowardBulldog.org joins forces with 100Reporters Fort Lauderdale – Veteran reporter and BrowardBulldog.org founder and editor Dan Christensen has accepted an invitation to join 100Reporters, a recently launched news organization that brings together 100 of the world’s finest professional reporters with whistle-blowers and citizen journalists across the globe, to report on corruption in all its forms. Christensen and his team of award-winning journalists at BrowardBulldog.org are filling a widening gap in local investigative journalism left by downsizing and a lack of resources in area’s traditional radio, television and print media. By uncovering corruption and following the questionable decisions and practices by our county’s elected officials and business leaders, BrowardBulldog.org provides concerned citizens with information important to their understanding of government and politics. Christensen is now one of more than 30 North American journalists feeding into 100Reporters’ constant stream of stories from around the world. BrowardBulldog.org also has a content-sharing agreement with Reuters through its Investigative News Network affiliation. The INN helps its 60 non-profit, non-partisan members produce and distribute stories and work toward sustainability. BrowardBulldog.org content is often carried by media across the state. Most recently, a story by BrowardBulldog.org medical journalist Amber Statler-Mathews about hard-to-acquire hospital records was picked up by several Florida print publications, Open Channel on msnbc.com, and was featured in a WLRN radio broadcast. “South Florida is ripe with deplorable stories of underhanded deals and unethical practices by people our citizenry is supposed to be able to trust,” said 100Reporters’ co-founder Diana Jean Schemo. “We started 100Reporters to give a broader voice to the essential watchdogs at BrowardBulldog.org and others reporting in the public’s interest.” 100Reporters was co-founded earlier this year by Schemo and Philip Shenon, former correspondents for The New York Times, and made possible through a planning grant from the Ford Foundation. -30- BrowardBulldog.org is an independent online-only newspaper created to provide authoritative local reporting in the public interest. We are Florida’s first non-profit regional news site staffed by veteran, professional journalists. Our reporters provide issue-oriented and investigative coverage of government, politics, the courts, education, business, the environment, health and public safety. For more information about contributions and sponsorships, contact Kitty Barran, Director of Development, at 954-817-3434 or[email protected].
For immediate release Date: Nov. 28, 2011 Contact: Kitty Barran, Director of Development, 954-817-3434 or [email protected] BrowardBulldog.org begins third year of investigative reporting Fort Lauderdale – BrowardBulldog.org held its second anniversary celebration earlier this month and raised nearly $20,000 thanks to many loyal supporters and a generous contribution from renowned, best-selling novelist Michael Connelly. Connelly has a soft spot for Broward County news. He grew up in Fort Lauderdale, moving here with his family when he was 12. In 1981, he became a reporter at the Fort Lauderdale News and Sun-Sentinel, where he stayed for five years. He moved to California in 1987 to be a crime reporter at the Los Angeles Times. He quit his job as a reporter to write full time in 1995. “I know how important thorough reporting and access to information is to this community,” said Connelly, whose new novel, The Drop, goes on sale in bookstores today. “My years covering crime and corruption taught me there’s a never-ending battle to uncover the truth. I not only commend Dan Christensen and his team but actively support their relentless endeavors.” With Connelly’s commitment and that of hundreds of other concerned individuals, BrowardBulldog.org has enjoyed a successful second year of operation. In the last year, BrowardBulldog.org regularly reported on government antics in Deerfield Beach, Hallandale Beach and the South Florida Water Management District – stories that weren’t covered by the area’s print publications, but were often republished with BrowardBulldog’s byline. Editor Dan Christensen’s delving into South Florida connections to September 11 with author Anthony Summers grabbed the attention of former Florida Senator Bob Graham who has asked the White House to open an inquiry into the FBI’s investigation of a Saudi Sarasota family with apparent ties to the terrorists. This series of articles was recently featured on a Young Turks podcast. The Young Turks is one of the largest online news shows in the world, with more than 30 million views a month. The non-profit news movement is growing. The Investigative News Network, of which BrowardBulldog.org is a member, now has more than 60 non-profit, non-partisan newsrooms on its roster. “We help to fill a deepening chasm in local news,” said Christensen. “I would love nothing more than to put the area’s displaced reporters back to work here, but like other non-profit newsrooms, we’re just keeping our heads above water.” As the creation, delivery and consumption of news changes, non-profit newsrooms must continue to find ways to be sustainable. Business models range from selling advertising, subscriptions and sponsorships to accepting individual and corporate contributions and grant dollars and to keep the organizations afloat. In addition to reporting and editing for the online-only publication, Christensen is a regular guest on WLRN’s weekly Florida Roundup and also appeared on the public radio station’s Topical Currents program. Christensen was one of 10 up-and-coming news entrepreneurs invited to attend the Knight Foundations’ News Entrepreneur Boot Camp at the University of Southern California, and he participated in a panel discussion for Block by Block: Community News Summit in Chicago. Director of Development Kitty Barran presented a session at the national conference of the Alliance of Community Media and will address the Public Relations Society of America’s western regional conference in Denver in March on “The Future of News.” BrowardBulldog.org won its first Sunshine State award this year for stories about how a large law firm hired a Florida Supreme Court justice a few weeks after he cast the deciding vote to approve a controversial ballot petition being pushed hard by the firm’s attorneys. Bulldog contributor Karla Bowsher also won the Society of Professional Journalists’ Mark of Excellence Award, which recognizes collegiate work published or broadcast during 2010. This year, student journalists submitted almost 4,000 entries. Bowsher attends Florida Atlantic University. BrowardBulldog now has more than 600 Facebook fans and 500 Twitter followers, and the website attracts nearly 15,000 unique IPs each month. -30- BrowardBulldog.org is an independent online-only newspaper created to provide authoritative local reporting in the public interest. We are Florida’s first non-profit regional news site staffed by veteran, professional journalists. Our reporters provide issue-oriented and investigative coverage of government, politics, the courts, education, business, the environment, health and public safety. For more information about contributions and sponsorships, contact Kitty Barran, Director of Development, at 954-817-3434 or [email protected].
For immediate release Date: May 25, 2011 Contact: Dan Christensen, Editor, 954-603-1351 or [email protected] Re: Thomson Reuters to distribute BrowardBulldog.org news FORT LAUDERDALE — BrowardBulldog.org is one of 30 non-profit investigative news organizations to begin distributing content through international news service Thomson Reuters. The opportunity is part of a recent deal struck by the Investigative News Network on behalf of its members. BrowardBulldog.org has been a member of the INN since July 2010. “Publishers are telling us investigative news is extremely valuable, but seems to be the first thing cut when resources get tight,” said Chris Ahearn, president of Media for Thomson Reuters in a press release about the agreement. BrowardBulldog.org is one of only two Florida media outlets included in the pact. Health News Florida is also an INN member, focusing on the politics and business that drive medical care in the nation’s fourth most populous state. “Investigative reporting is at the forefront of our mission, and we’re excited to expand our reach and serve Reuters clients around the globe,” said Kevin Davis, INN’s chief executive officer. The arrangement allows Thomson Reuters to use INN-member content on an as-needed basis and to pay members for any content used. That gives local stories such as those produced by BrowardBulldog.org the potential to be picked up by Thomson Reuters’ newspaper, television and cable network, radio and website partners. “Because non-profit news is a new business model, we’re still figuring out ways to make it sustainable,” said BrowardBulldog.org’s founder and editor Dan Christensen. “We need this to not only generate some income, but to set the precedent that our content is not free just because it’s online. We appreciate Thomson Reuters for recognizing the importance of non-profit investigative journalism.” 2011 has been a year of strategic planning and growth for Florida’s first non-profit independent newsroom. BrowardBulldog.org now has two regular contributors, in addition to Christensen, and a bullpen of relief reporters; recently added the Hollywood Gazette as a content-sharing partner; and has been named as a finalist in the South Florida Society of Professional Journalists’ 2011 Sunshine State awards. Christensen’s story Ex-Supreme Court chief justice approves ballot petition, gets hired by firm allied with its sponsor was nominated in the Civil Law Reporting category. Winners will be announced at a June 11 ceremony. Earlier this month, Christensen attended an invitation-only Knight Foundation workshop for news entrepreneurs. “We continue to report hard-hitting stories despite the economic doldrums and the media chaos around us,” said Christensen. “Arrangements such as the Thomson Reuters opportunity, recognition from our peers, and our growing cadre of journalists and content partners tell me we just need to hang in there. We’re doing the right things to be successful.” -30- |
News from Broward Bulldog
For immediate release
Date: January 6, 2011
Re: BrowardBulldog.org story highlights contradiction in Adam Walsh murder case
Contact: Kitty Barran, Director of Business Development, 954-817-3434 or [email protected]
FORT LAUDERDALE – BrowardBulldog.org posted a new story yesterday that trumped other South Florida media outlets on a chronicle they have in their archives.
The story is about a new legal twist to the Adam Walsh murder case, which riveted the country for years and continues to influence how parents across the country protect their children.
In a book due to be released in March, Former Miami Beach Police Detective Sgt. Joe Matthews claims his independent investigation into Adam’s murder provided previously unseen evidence that helped to conclusively close the case in 2008. Morgan Willis, a retired Miami Herald press operator and witness in the case, asked to see Matthew’s report of the investigation. When he was denied access to the report, Morgan filed a lawsuit in June, 2010 under the Florida Public Records Act. The defendants were Hollywood police chief Chad Wagner, Broward State Attorney Michael Satz and Matthews.
Wagner and Satz say the report was not considered evidence in the case, was not a factor in the decision to close the case, is no longer in their possession, and they have no obligation to produce it as a public record.
The story about the original public records lawsuit ran in the Miami Herald and was picked up by several other news outlets. The suit was dismissed in August of last year, but is on appeal.
Court papers filed on Dec. 20, 2010 – which assert the advance draft of the book, Bringing Adam Home: The Abduction that Changed America, provides stark contradictions between Matthew’s account and the statements of the State Attorney’s office – went unnoticed until the BrowardBulldog.org article yesterday.
“This is an important story because we expect our law enforcement and state authorities to dot all the Is and cross all the Ts,” said Dan Christensen, BrowardBulldog.org reporter. “The revelations in the book may not change the conclusions in the case, but they still beg the question: Were Matthew’s findings, as he claims in his book, instrumental to closing the case? If so, his report should be a part of the case’s public record. It’s that simple.”
The story was obviously of interest to South Florida readers. BrowardBulldog.org’s daily unique IPs and page views spiked to an all-time high as the story was shared countless times across email, Facebook and Twitter. BrowardBulldog.org expects the stats to accelerate today. The article was picked up by the online versions of Sun-Sentinel and the Chicago Tribune.
Why was a story with such national interest missed by other media outlets? Because our area’s newsrooms are distracted. Declining revenues have led to staff reductions and important stories go uncovered because of shifting priorities and lack of resources.
“I think the traffic on our site shows that solid reporting is important no matter the medium,” said Christensen. “People would have thought it interesting in print, on the radio or on TV, but we were the only media with the story.”
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BrowardBulldog.org is an independent online-only newspaper created to provide authoritative local reporting in the public interest. We are Florida’s first non-profit regional news site staffed by veteran, professional journalists. Our reporters provide issue-oriented and investigative coverage of government, politics, the courts, education, business, the environment, health and public safety. For more information about contributions and sponsorships, contact Kitty Barran, Director of Business Development, at 954-817-3434 or [email protected].
For immediate release
Date: Nov. 10, 2010
Contact: Kitty Barran, Director of Business Development, 954-817-3434 or [email protected]
Re: BrowardBulldog.org’s inaugural fundraiser 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.
“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.”
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BrowardBulldog.org is an independent online newspaper created to provide original, local reporting in the public interest. We are Florida’s first nonprofit regional news site staffed by veteran, professional journalists. Our reporters provide issue-oriented and investigative coverage of government, politics, the courts, education, business, the environment, health and public safety. For more information about contributions and sponsorships, contact Kitty Barran, Director of Business Development, at 954-817-3434 or [email protected]
For immediate release
Date: July 9, 2010
Contact: Kitty Barran, Director of Business Development, 954-817-3434 or [email protected]
Re: Broward Bulldog accepted into Investigative News Network
FORT LAUDERDALE – Broward Bulldog has been accepted into the Investigative News Network. The Investigative News Network is a national collaboration of nonprofit journalism organizations that conducts investigative reporting in the public interest.
Only 40 organizations have been offered membership by the Investigative News Network. Membership requires meeting rigorous operational and reporting standards and solidifies Bulldog’s position as a credible source of hard-hitting local news.
The decline of the for-profit print newspaper industry has sparked a burgeoning not-for-profit model which recognizes the changing landscape of news delivery and consumption. Successful news organizations are moving away from the labor-intense and high-overhead printing process to one of 2.0-based efficiency, around-the-clock access and mobility.
However, instant news gratification must have checks and balances to ensure the integrity of the source and the content. Voluntary membership in The Investigative News Network is one way on-line, non-profit news organizations can be held accountable for their business practices and the information they gather and release.
“To be recognized by our peers for our contributions to this emerging model is one of the best compliments we can receive,” said Dan Christensen, Editor of Broward Bulldog. “We look forward to helping build the foundation of collaborative journalism and learning from one another.”
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Broward Bulldog is an independent, not for profit online-only newspaper created to provide authoritative local reporting in the public interest. We are Florida’s first non-profit regional news site staffed by veteran, professional journalists. Our reporters provide issue-oriented and investigative coverage of government, politics, the courts, education, business, the environment, health and public safety. For more information about contributions and sponsorships, contact Kitty Barran, Director of Business Development, at 954-817-3434 or [email protected].
News from Broward Bulldog
For immediate release
Date: June 10, 2010
Contact: Kitty Barran, Director of Business Development, 954-817-3434 or [email protected]
Re: Broward Bulldog Announces Board of Directors
FORT LAUDERDALE – Broward Bulldog, South Florida’s first non-profit investigative online news source, is pleased to announce its board of directors.
These individuals have agreed to volunteer their time to provide expertise and input for the organization’s business principles and practices and to help Broward Bulldog become the county’s premier local news site.
Jay Alexander – Chairman, InTown Publishing and Intown411.com
Alexander is a South Florida businessman who founded InTownUSA Publishing in 2006. The Intown411 website is dedicated to what’s happening in Fort Lauderdale’s entertainment and dining scenes. Alexander also owns and operates pedicab companies in Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood, Miami, Washington, D.C., Boston, Newport, RI and New York City.
Kevin P. Boyd – Owner of Boyd Public Relations and former managing editor, Hollywood Sun-Tattler
Boyd enjoyed a 17-year, award-winning career as a newspaper reporter and editor for such major news providers as the Chicago Tribune Co., Knight-Ridder, Scripps Howard and United Press International. For the past 19 years, he has worked as a senior account executive and partner/owner at three prominent Florida public relations firms.
William H. Frank – Certified Public Accountant
Frank, of Pembroke Pines, is one of the nation’s foremost forensic accountants. His firm provides specialized professional services to attorneys and accountants involved in federal criminal trials for fraud, tax evasion conspiracy in tax fraud and commercial transactions, money laundering, and director and officer liability and corporate shareholder litigation.
Lisa Gibbs – Senior Writer at MONEY magazine and former executive business editor of The Miami Herald
Gibbs has covered a variety of personal finance topics since joining MONEY in 2009. As the Herald’s executive business editor, she supervised business coverage in print, radio and online. During her tenure, the Herald’s Business section twice won a Best in Business award for General Excellence from the Society of American Business Editors and Writers (SABEW). Gibbs is on the board of SABEW and chairs the organization’s international committee, which is working on projects to promote business journalism excellence outside the United States. Born in Hollywood, she graduated from the University of Miami and is a 7th-generation South Florida native.
Florence Beth Snyder – First Amendment attorney and former Administrative Law Judge in the Southern District of Florida
Snyder is a former general counsel to Palm Beach Newspapers, Inc. Her media clients have included Miami ‘s Channel 7, USA TODAY, the Ft. Myers News-Press, the Independent Florida Alligator, and radio talk show host Randi Rhodes. Snyder has chaired The Florida Bar’s Media Law Conference and Reporters’ Workshop, and is a past recipient of the Legal Aid Society of Palm Beach County’s Juvenile Advocacy Award. She was a Supreme Court appointee to the Board of the Florida Bar Foundation, and sits on the advisory board of the Bureau of National Affairs’ Media Law Reporter. She has served as a trustee of the Poynter Institute for Media Studies, a school for journalists which owns the St. Petersburg Times. She lives in Tallahassee.
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Broward Bulldog is an independent, online-only newspaper created to provide authoritative local reporting in the public interest. We are Florida’s first non-profit regional news site staffed by veteran, professional journalists. Our reporters provide issue-oriented and investigative coverage of government, politics, the courts, education, business, the environment, health and public safety. Follow us on Facebook or Twitter and share our links with your networks. Broward Bulldog is a 501(c)(3) organization and is supported by your tax-deductible contributions. For more information, contact Kitty Barran, Director of Business Development, at 954-817-3434 or [email protected].
News from Broward Bulldog
For immediate release
Date: June 2, 2010
Contact: Kitty Barran, Director of Business Development, 954-817-3434 or [email protected]
Re: Broward Bulldog receives not-for-profit status; contributions now tax-deductible
FORT LAUDERDALE – Broward Bulldog, South Florida’s only independent online source for investigative journalism, has received tax-exempt status from the Internal Revenue Service. An IRC 501(c)(3) certification opens the door for the organization to accept tax-deductible contributions to pay for operating expenses and to continue to fill the investigative news void left by large staff reductions at area newspapers.
Print publications around the country are faced with declining subscription and ad revenues and have had to cut back staff and reduce coverage to stay in operation. A new niche journalism model is emerging; not-for-profit news sites are taking up the slack and delivering the news by adapting to the new market reality of media.
Broward Bulldog was launched in October 2009 and regularly posts articles about Broward County’s judicial, political and business communities. Articles are distributed on the website, through Twitter and Facebook, and have been picked up by the South Florida Sun Sentinel, The Miami Herald and many other online and print publications. The site has experienced significant growth since its inception, attracting nearly 35,000 page views in May.
The new tax-exempt status also makes Broward Bulldog’s first fund raising initiatives possible. Bulldog can now apply for foundation grants, embark on email marketing and internet outreach campaigns, plan special events and engage in one-on-one networking.
Solid, credible news comes from experienced journalists and editors who must be compensated for the critical work they do. Bulldog will raise money to pay for the research, interviews, reporting, writing, editing, photography – the essential elements of news – and marketing necessary to build the organization.
“This recognition is an important step toward establishing Broward Bulldog as the go-to watchdog resource for Broward County’s 1.75 million residents,” said Dan Christensen, founder and editor. “It is not our intent to replace or displace any of the area’s respected news sources. We believe there is a role for each of us. In a very short period of time, readers have come to trust Broward Bulldog to keep an eye on our community and watch out for corruption and injustice. Contributions will ensure we meet that goal.”
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Broward Bulldog is an independent, not for profit online-only newspaper created to provide authoritative local reporting in the public interest. We are Florida’s first non-profit regional news site staffed by veteran, professional journalists. Our reporters provide issue-oriented and investigative coverage of government, politics, the courts, education, business, the environment, health and public safety. For more information, contact Kitty Barran, Director of Business Development, at 954-817-3434 or [email protected].
News from Broward Bulldog For immediate release
Date: January 15, 2010
Contact: Kitty Barran, director of development. 954-817-3434 [email protected]
FORT LAUDERDALE — Independent online news source Broward Bulldog is making headlines — literally. An article posted on www.BrowardBulldog.org on Monday went viral this week making news in Chicago, New York and Washington, and hit the front pages of dozens of blogs and general interest websites around the country. That kind of buzz underscores the power of the Internet for news distribution and the appeal of well-written, journalistically sound stories.
The saga about a 78-year-old woman who was inexplicably lost for more than two weeks in the bowels of the Broward County, Fl. judicial system resonated with readers. After being overlooked by the public defenders’ office, Gabrielle Shaink Trudeau spent 15 days in Broward County Jail for a traffic ticket. She was ordered released at her arraignment in December after prosecutors told a judge her license was not suspended.
Traffic on the Bulldog website logged more than 25,000 hits after the story went up Monday morning, and posted comments included, “shame on you all,” “When you don’t have accountability and you don’t have to make a profit, you end up with mediocrity,” “EVERY person who could have made a difference but did nothing — should be disciplined,” and “Talk about falling through the cracks!”
Reporting that generates that kind of visceral reaction does not come cheap, but steep declines in newspaper circulation and advertising have threatened that traditional community service. In fact, it cost Bulldog reporter and editor Dan Christensen his job. After nearly 30 years as an investigative reporter, Christensen was let go from the Miami Herald in the second quarter of 2009 because of budget cuts. They simply couldn’t afford to keep him on staff.
Christensen passionately believes that good journalism is worthwhile journalism no matter how it’s distributed, but also knows that you can’t get something for nothing.
“The market no longer delivers all the news and information our democracy needs,” said Christensen. “We’ve moved from a printed, subscription- and advertising-based model that generated enough revenue to pay reporters’ salaries, to a free on-line news distribution system that ignores the costs associated with in-depth investigative journalism. The free model might support blogs and consumer activism but cannot sustain quality reporting. We must find a way to keep watchdog journalism alive.”
The non-profit Broward Bulldog is building on the successes of alternative journalism sites around the country which recognize that people no longer get the bulk of their news from a printed newspaper, but get it in their inboxes, find it posted on their Facebook pages or receive it from their Twitter accounts.
By applying for grants, soliciting sponsorships and accepting advertising dollars, Christensen hopes to cover the overhead that comes with delivering a quality news product. But individuals who rely on alternative news sources will have to accept more responsibility to fund their existence. Christensen is exploring voluntary membership funds, similar to those raised by public radio, as a way to keep the Bulldog operating.
“I encourage anyone who sees the value in this kind of journalism to donate. Your contribution is truly the difference between knowing and not knowing what’s going on – these stories are no longer coming only from for-profit newspapers. We love what we do, we do it for those who have no voice, no advocates, but we can’t do it for free.”
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Broward Bulldog is an independent, not for profit online-only newspaper created to provide authoritative local reporting in the public interest. We are Florida’s first non-profit regional news site staffed by veteran, professional journalists. Our reporters will provide issue-oriented and investigative coverage of government, politics, the courts, education, business, the environment, health and public safety.
We begin as an all-volunteer operation and will continue only through the financial support of concerned individuals, foundations and businesses that value local news and watchdog journalism. To give your support, visit http://www.BrowardBulldog.org and click on “Donate.” Broward Bulldog Inc. has applied for federal tax exempt status as a 501(c)(3) organization.
