About
From Iowa Independent Factbook
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About the Iowa Independent Factbook
This Iowa-centric project began with the simple realization that a wealth of information exists about Iowa politics that is scattered throughout websites, private collections and personal experience. Not only would collecting such information be beneficial, it would help preserve the rich political history of the Hawkeye State. Our staff has begun populating this site - a task that will continue for years to come.
We hope that this wiki will be a repository for comprehensive information dealing with Iowa politics and a place where people can share facts, photos, videos and questions. We hope to encourage wide-spread community use and contribution.
About the Iowa Independent
The Iowa Independent is published by The American Independent News Network, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation.
The American Independent News Network (AINN) investigates and disseminates news that impacts public debate and advances the common good. To accomplish its mission, we operate a growing independent online news network, currently comprised of six news sites that provide daily original reporting. An informed citizenry is a fundamental principle of civil society and American democracy; in the words of the Supreme Court in Garrison v. Louisiana: “Speech concerning public affairs is more than self-expression; it is the essence of self government.” Our reporting emphasizes the positive role of democratically elected government in securing the common good and social welfare, and the continuing benefits of our founding culture of egalitarian government by the people, for the people.
The American Independent News Network is funded by individual donors and foundations. For a current list of supporters, please visit The American Independent News Network at http://tainews.org and consider making a tax deductible contribution to support our work.
History
The American Independent News Network was founded as the Center for Independent Media on May 1, 2006, as a nonpartisan nonprofit organization. The organization created the New Journalist Pilot Program to test the hypothesis that a melding of blog technology with the standards of professional journalism could produce original news and information, which in turn would contribute to diversifying public debate around issues of importance.
The New Journalist Pilot Program operated first in two states — Colorado and Minnesota. Seventeen people participated in this fellowship program, collectively producing more than 2,200 original reports from July through October. A significant number of these reports triggered statewide and national attention, by drawing attention to important issues through the production of news that adhered to the standards of professional journalism. Approximately 29 million Americans were reached through the program, online and offline via television, radio, and newspapers picking up stories originated by the Fellows in the program.
Based on the successful performance of the New Journalist Pilot Program, a decision was made to expand operations and increase the number of programs. In May 2007, the Center for Independent Media launched its third program, in Iowa. In September 2007, the Center launched its fourth program, in Michigan. A national program, based in Washington, D.C., was launched in January 2008, followed by a New Mexico program in April 2008. A Florida program is scheduled to launch in June 2010.
In January 2010, the Center for Independent Media changed its name to The American Independent News Network to better reflect its mission as an online news network.
