Information as Systemic Leverage

Operates a nonprofit newsroom that accepts tips and materials from the public on matters of public interest and relies on public donations to fund its journalism.

Produces investigative reporting that has led to changes in city policy, new legislation, budget decisions, indictments, and reversals of injustices, including reporting on stolen SNAP benefits that prompted state-level action and calls for victim reimbursement.

Produces and publishes a weekly podcast on New York City topics and hosts live podcast tapings, reporter Q&As, and community events across the five boroughs.

Produces independent, data-driven journalism to inform New York residents, analyze complex local issues, and keep reporting freely accessible. Publishes explanatory guides to help residents navigate city systems and services.

Files formal petitions, comments, and legal actions with federal agencies such as the FCC to advocate for media accountability, license renewals, and regulatory reforms. Includes campaigns around election integrity, climate change coverage, and abortion rights reporting.

Develops and distributes tools such as the Letter to the Editor Rubric, hosts workshops, and provides resources to empower individuals to engage with media institutions and promote democratic values.

Curates and maintains a 50-state, searchable directory of over 2,200 nonprofit and local journalism outlets, evaluated based on accountability reporting, coverage of marginalized communities, and truth verification, to help the public find and support quality journalism.

Hosts monthly meetings, special events, and workshops to educate and mobilize the public on media and democracy issues, with over 7,000 total registrations in a year. Maintains a blog with over 9,000 subscribers and publishes content via social media and external outlets.

Conducts data-driven research projects such as the Sunday Shows Project, which analyzes guest demographics, policy focus, and political accountability on major news programs. Publishes reports and findings to inform public discourse and advocacy.

Produces weekly educational videos featuring in-depth interviews with experts and individuals driving change.

Conducts research and analysis focused on media and government institutions, producing findings that contribute to public understanding of these sectors.

Seeks to increase public awareness about the relationship between local elections and law enforcement, particularly regarding the influence and accountability of Constitutional Sheriffs in Arizona.

Advocates for simplifying voting processes to improve access and participation, and advances civil rights through efforts to secure a government that reflects the will of the people and protects democratic institutions.

Published reports on voting ease by state and on youth vote get-out-the-vote (GOTV) messaging, public opinion, and campaign effectiveness.

Provides training and resources to political advocates, organizers, campaign staff, and nonprofit employees through a Research 101 series, including written explainers and guides such as 'How to read an academic article' and 'How to read an election poll'.

Provides strategic recommendations to voter mobilization organizations based on research findings about voter intentions, particularly in response to issues such as the War in Gaza.

Conducted and published polls on public opinion regarding January 6th and President Biden’s Supreme Court nomination, and produced in-depth analysis of polling methods, limitations, and misuse. Also published a report on public views about January 6th in six battleground states.

Conducted analysis of the Constitutional Sheriffs and Constitutional Counties movements, including their influence on election administration and democratic accountability. Published findings on the prevalence of these movements in battleground states, including data showing 25% of studied counties adhere to the Constitutional Counties ideology.