Seattlepostglobe.org launched by former P-I journalists

Posted by Marion Geiger on April 16, 2009 at 9:42 AM

Former Seattle Post-Intelligencer reporters launched a free non-profit news website yesterday called Seattlepostglobe.org. About half a dozen laid-off P-I staff are working with Kery Murakami, who says "I guess I'm the publisher". Another 20 journalists said they would contribute to the publication.

"We want them (former P-I journalists) 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," said Murakami, and says he hopes people do not expect Seattlepostglobe.org to be the new P-I right away.

The Seattle P-I was forced to close its print version in mid March due to immense financial losses, about $14 million in 2008. Parent company, Hearst decided there was no recovery and could not afford to keep it up so they stopped the presses and resorted to online-only.

As of now, "we're working as volunteers," said Murakami. They have a meagre $3,000 and another $3,000 pledged. The website intends to monetize mainly through reader donations, aiming for 8,000 to pledge $10 a month. They currently use KCTS-TV's office space and may strike a deal with the station. They are also looking to sell advertising.

Journalists all over are not giving up on their passion for the job. Another similar initiative began in March by Rocky Mountain News former staff members. Shortly after the closure of the Denver paper, the staff members announced plans to launch InDenverTimes.com by May 4th. Although they have not reached the intended number of subscribers yet, they may continue to publish.

Source: Seattle Times