What is the primary function and location of the Poynter Institute?

The Poynter Institute for Media Studies is a non-profit journalism school and research organization located in St. Petersburg, Florida, United States. It serves as a center for journalistic education and media analysis, aiming to uphold standards in the field.

What is the motto of the Poynter Institute?

The motto of the Poynter Institute is 'Democracy needs journalism. Journalism needs Poynter.' This statement encapsulates its mission to support and strengthen the field of journalism for the benefit of democratic societies.

When was the Poynter Institute originally established, and what was its initial name?

The school was established on May 29, 1975, and was initially known as the Modern Media Institute. This marked the beginning of its journey as a dedicated institution for media studies and training.

Who founded the Poynter Institute, and what was his connection to the media industry?

The Poynter Institute was founded by Nelson Poynter, who was the owner and chairman of the *St. Petersburg Times*, which is now known as the *Tampa Bay Times*, and the Times Publishing Company. His vision led to the creation of this journalism school.

How did the Poynter Institute come to own the *St. Petersburg Times*?

In 1977, Nelson Poynter willed the ownership of the Times Publishing Company to the Institute. This arrangement ensured that after his death, the school would become the owner of the *St. Petersburg Times*, providing it with a stable financial foundation and direct connection to a major newspaper.

When did the Modern Media Institute change its name to the Poynter Institute?

The name of the school was officially changed to the 'Poynter Institute' in 1984, reflecting a more direct association with its founder, Nelson Poynter, and solidifying its identity.

What significant media entities does the Poynter Institute own or operate?

The Poynter Institute owns the *Tampa Bay Times* newspaper and the International Fact-Checking Network. It also operates PolitiFact, a well-known website dedicated to verifying the accuracy of statements made by public figures.

Who is the current president of the Poynter Institute?

The current president of the Poynter Institute is Neil Brown, who leads the organization in its mission to promote journalistic excellence.

What was Craig Newmark's involvement with the Poynter Institute, according to the text?

Craig Newmark, the founder of Craigslist, is a board member of the Poynter Foundation and made a significant donation of $1 million to it in 2015, demonstrating his support for journalism ethics and the institute's work.

How did the Poynter Institute cooperate with Revcontent in 2018?

In 2018, the Poynter Institute began a cooperation with the content recommendation network Revcontent. The purpose of this partnership was to combat misinformation and fake news in articles by supplying Revcontent with fact-checking services provided by Poynter's International Fact-Checking Network.

Which foundation, known for its free expression initiatives, supported the Poynter Institute in 2018?

On January 11, 2018, the Charles Koch Foundation's Director of Free Expression, Sarah Ruger, publicly stated that the foundation supports many grantees committed to press freedom, including The Poynter Institute, the Newseum, and Techdirt's free speech initiative.

What significant change occurred with PolitiFact in February 2018?

On February 12, 2018, the *Tampa Bay Times*, which is the for-profit branch of the nonprofit Poynter Institute, spun off the Pulitzer Prize-winning PolitiFact website. This action resulted in PolitiFact forming an independent division within the Poynter Institute, allowing it to operate with greater autonomy.

What is the nature of the partnership between *The Washington Post* and the Poynter Institute since 2019?

Since 2019, *The Washington Post* has partnered with the Poynter Institute to enhance diversity within the media industry. Their joint goal is to expand Poynter's annual Leadership Academy for Diversity in Digital Media, which trains journalists to become founders, top-level executives, and innovators, fostering a more inclusive media landscape.

Which organizations, besides *The Washington Post*, sponsor the Leadership Academy for Diversity in Digital Media?

Other sponsors for the Leadership Academy for Diversity in Digital Media include CNN, the Scripps Howard Foundations, Craig Newmark Philanthropies, the Ethics and Excellence in Journalism Foundation, and TEGNA Foundation, all contributing to the program's success.

Describe the controversy surrounding a list of 'unreliable' news websites published by Poynter in 2019.

In 2019, Poynter published a list of over 515 news websites that it labeled 'unreliable.' The author compiled this list using various fake news databases and urged advertisers to 'blacklist' the included sites. The list controversially included conservative news websites like the *Washington Examiner*, *The Washington Free Beacon*, and *The Daily Signal*, as well as conspiracy outfits such as InfoWars, leading to significant public debate.

Why did the Poynter Institute retract its 2019 list of 'unreliable' news websites?

The Poynter Institute retracted the list after facing backlash from both readers and contributors of some included publications. They cited 'weaknesses in the methodology' as the reason for the retraction and issued an apology for the 'confusion and agitation caused by its publication,' acknowledging the flaws in their approach.

What was *Reason* magazine's observation regarding the author of Poynter's retracted list?

*Reason* magazine noted that the author of the retracted list was a freelancer hired by the Institute who typically works for the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC). *Reason* then drew parallels between the accuracy of Poynter's list and the SPLC's own work on hate groups, suggesting a potential bias or methodological issue.

How did the Poynter Institute expand its MediaWise program in 2020, and what was its objective?

In 2020, with funding from Facebook, the Poynter Institute expanded its MediaWise program by launching a national media literacy initiative called the MediaWise Voter project, or #MVP. The project's goal was to reach 2 million American first-time voter college students, aiming to better prepare and inform them for the 2020 elections by enhancing their digital information literacy.

Did the Poynter Institute receive government funding during the COVID-19 pandemic?

Yes, the Poynter Institute received $737,400 in federal loans from the Paycheck Protection Program during the COVID-19 pandemic. President Neil Brown also mentioned that this was not the first instance of the institute receiving government funding, citing previous training contracts with Voice of America, indicating a history of public sector engagement.

When was the International Fact-Checking Network (IFCN) launched by the Poynter Institute?

The International Fact-Checking Network (IFCN) was launched by the Poynter Institute in 2015, establishing a global initiative for promoting accuracy in journalism.

What is the primary role of the International Fact-Checking Network (IFCN)?

The primary role of the IFCN is to establish a code of ethics for fact-checking organizations. It reviews these organizations for compliance with its code and issues a certification to publishers who successfully pass its audit, thereby promoting journalistic standards and accountability.

How long does an IFCN certification last, and what is required to maintain it?

An IFCN certification lasts for one year, and fact-checkers are required to be re-examined annually to retain their certifications, ensuring ongoing adherence to ethical standards and best practices in fact-checking.

How did Facebook utilize the IFCN's certification?

Facebook used the IFCN's certification to vet publishers for fact-checking contracts, relying on the network's standards to identify credible fact-checking partners and combat the spread of misinformation on its platform.

What change did Meta, Facebook's parent company, announce regarding its use of IFCN-certified fact-checkers in 2025?

In 2025, Meta, the parent company of Facebook, announced its decision to transition away from using IFCN-certified fact-checkers. Instead, it plans to replace this system with 'community notes,' a mechanism similar to what is implemented on the X social network, where users can add context to posts.

Beyond certification, how else has IFCN membership been utilized?

IFCN membership has also been used as a means to identify the reliability of a fact-checking organization, serving as an indicator of its adherence to established ethical and methodological standards within the journalism community.

How did Deutsche Welle describe the International Fact-Checking Network?

Deutsche Welle (DW) referred to the International Fact-Checking Network (IFCN) as the most prominent fact-checking consortium, highlighting its significant standing and influence in the global fact-checking community.

What publication is jointly produced by the IFCN and the American Press Institute?

The IFCN and the American Press Institute jointly publish *Factually*, which is a newsletter focused on fact-checking and journalism ethics, providing insights and updates to the journalistic community on these critical topics.

What annual event does the International Fact-Checking Network organize?

The IFCN organizes Global Fact, which is a yearly conference dedicated to the topic of fact-checking, bringing together professionals and experts in the field to discuss trends, challenges, and best practices.

What is News University (NewsU), and what types of training does it offer?

News University, or NewsU, is a project of the Poynter Institute that provides journalism training. It offers various methods of instruction, including e-learning courses, webinars, and interactive learning games, to educate journalists and enhance their skills.

Who funds the News University project?

NewsU is funded by the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, a philanthropic organization that supports journalism and media innovation, enabling the program to offer its training resources.

What significant change occurred with the NLA Awards in 2023?

In 2023, the News Leaders Association transferred the stewardship of its NLA Awards to the Poynter Institute. As a result, the Poynter Institute will administer the contest starting from 2024, and the awards have been renamed The Poynter Journalism Prizes, continuing a tradition of recognizing journalistic excellence.

What new award did Poynter announce in 2023, and who does it honor?

In 2023, Poynter announced the creation of a new prize called The Roy Peter Clark Award for Excellence in Short Writing. This award honors Roy Peter Clark, a notable figure in journalism, recognizing his contributions and promoting high-quality concise writing.

Who was the first recipient of the Poynter Medal for Lifetime Achievement in Journalism in 2015?

The first recipient of the Poynter Medal for Lifetime Achievement in Journalism in 2015 was Bob Schieffer, who was a former CBS News anchor and host of *Face the Nation*, recognized for his extensive career in broadcast journalism.

Which anchor of *NBC Nightly News* and *Dateline NBC* was awarded the Poynter Medal in 2018?

Lester Holt, who serves as the anchor of *NBC Nightly News* and *Dateline NBC*, received the Poynter Medal for Lifetime Achievement in Journalism in 2018, recognizing his contributions to news reporting.

Who was recognized with the Poynter Medal in 2019 as a broadcast journalist, author, and media entrepreneur?

Katie Couric, a prominent broadcast journalist, author, and media entrepreneur, was awarded the Poynter Medal for Lifetime Achievement in Journalism in 2019, celebrating her diverse and influential career.

Which anchor of *Fox News Sunday* received the Poynter Medal in 2020?

Chris Wallace, the anchor of *Fox News Sunday*, was honored with the Poynter Medal for Lifetime Achievement in Journalism in 2020, acknowledging his long-standing career in political journalism.

Who was the recipient of the Poynter Medal in 2021 for her role as a correspondent for CBS News' *60 Minutes*?

Lesley Stahl, a distinguished correspondent for CBS News' *60 Minutes*, received the Poynter Medal for Lifetime Achievement in Journalism in 2021, recognizing her impactful investigative reporting.

Which investigative journalists were jointly honored with the Poynter Medal in 2022?

The investigative journalists Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein were jointly honored with the Poynter Medal for Lifetime Achievement in Journalism in 2022, recognizing their significant contributions to journalism, particularly their work on the Watergate scandal.

Who received the Poynter Medal in 2023 as a broadcast journalist and political commentator for CNN?

Anderson Cooper, a well-known broadcast journalist and political commentator for CNN, was awarded the Poynter Medal for Lifetime Achievement in Journalism in 2023, celebrating his extensive career in news and current affairs.

Which co-anchor of ABC's *Good Morning America* is slated to receive the Poynter Medal in 2024?

Robin Roberts, the co-anchor of ABC's *Good Morning America*, is scheduled to receive the Poynter Medal for Lifetime Achievement in Journalism in 2024, honoring her career in morning television news.

Who is projected to receive the Poynter Medal in 2025 as the host of *CBS Sunday Morning*?

Jane Pauley, the host of *CBS Sunday Morning*, is projected to receive the Poynter Medal for Lifetime Achievement in Journalism in 2025, recognizing her long and distinguished career in broadcast journalism.

Name two individuals mentioned in the 'See also' section related to the Poynter Institute.

Two individuals mentioned in the 'See also' section, indicating their relevance or association with the Poynter Institute, are Donald K. Fry and Kelly McBride.

What does the image caption for the International Fact-Checking Network depict?

The image caption for the International Fact-Checking Network (IFCN) shows its logo, which visually represents the organization's identity and mission in the field of fact-checking.

Poynter Institute Wiki: The Beacon of Journalistic Integrity: Exploring the Poynter Institute's Role in Media Excellence

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Introducing Poynter

A Pillar of Media Education

The Poynter Institute for Media Studies stands as a distinguished non-profit organization dedicated to journalism education and research. Located in St. Petersburg, Florida, USA, it serves as a vital resource for media professionals and the public alike, fostering excellence and ethical practice in journalism.

Key Affiliations and Holdings

Beyond its educational mission, Poynter holds significant influence in the media landscape. It is the proud owner of the Tampa Bay Times newspaper, a testament to its commitment to local journalism. Furthermore, it oversees the International Fact-Checking Network (IFCN) and operates PolitiFact, both critical initiatives in the global fight against misinformation.

Guiding Principles and Leadership

Poynter's core philosophy is encapsulated in its motto: "Democracy needs journalism. Journalism needs Poynter." Established on May 29, 1975, initially as the Modern Media Institute, the institute is currently led by President Neil Brown, who continues to steer its mission of upholding journalistic standards and promoting media literacy.

Historical Trajectory

Genesis: The Modern Media Institute

The institution's journey began on May 29, 1975, when Nelson Poynter, the visionary owner and chairman of the St. Petersburg Times (now the Tampa Bay Times) and Times Publishing Company, announced his intention to establish a modest journalism school. This initial endeavor was known as the Modern Media Institute, laying the groundwork for what would become a globally recognized entity.

Evolution and Enduring Legacy

A pivotal moment occurred in 1977 when Nelson Poynter bequeathed ownership of the Times Publishing Company to the Institute. This strategic decision ensured that, following his passing, the school would become the proprietor of the St. Petersburg Times, securing its financial independence and journalistic integrity. In recognition of its expanding scope and influence, the school was formally renamed the "Poynter Institute" in 1984.

The Institute's development has been marked by significant partnerships and occasional challenges:

Philanthropic Support: In 2015, Craig Newmark, the founder of Craigslist and a Poynter Foundation board member, generously donated $1 million, underscoring the importance of supporting journalistic ethics.
Combating Misinformation: By 2018, Poynter initiated a collaboration with Revcontent, a content recommendation network, leveraging its International Fact-Checking Network to combat misinformation and "fake news" in published articles.
Strategic Alliances: The Charles Koch Foundation's Director of Free Expression, Sarah Ruger, publicly affirmed the foundation's support for Poynter in 2018, highlighting a shared commitment to press freedom.
PolitiFact's Autonomy: In February 2018, the Pulitzer Prize-winning PolitiFact website, previously a part of the Tampa Bay Times, was spun off to become an independent division within the Poynter Institute, enhancing its focus on political fact-checking.
Diversity in Media: Since 2019, The Washington Post has partnered with Poynter to advance diversity in media, specifically expanding Poynter's annual Leadership Academy for Diversity in Digital Media. This initiative aims to cultivate future leaders, executives, and innovators from diverse backgrounds within journalism. Additional sponsors include CNN, the Scripps Howard Foundations, Craig Newmark Philanthropies, the Ethics and Excellence in Journalism Foundation, and the TEGNA Foundation.
"Unreliable" List Controversy: In 2019, Poynter published a list of over 515 news websites labeled "unreliable," compiled from various "fake news" databases. This list, which included both conservative news outlets and conspiracy sites, called on advertisers to "blacklist" the included sites. Following significant backlash from readers and contributors, Poynter retracted the list, acknowledging "weaknesses in the methodology" and apologizing for the "confusion and agitation" caused. It was noted that the author was a freelancer associated with the Southern Poverty Law Center.

Funding & Strategic Initiatives

Philanthropic and Programmatic Investments

The Poynter Institute actively seeks and receives funding to support its diverse programs and initiatives. In 2020, with significant investment from Facebook, Poynter expanded its MediaWise program. This led to the creation of the MediaWise Voter Project (#MVP), a national media literacy initiative designed to equip two million American first-time voter college students with enhanced critical thinking skills for the 2020 elections.

Government Support and Partnerships

During the challenging period of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Poynter Institute received federal assistance, specifically $737,400 in loans from the Paycheck Protection Program. President Neil Brown clarified that this was not the Institute's first engagement with government funding, citing previous training contracts with entities such as Voice of America. This demonstrates a history of collaboration with various public and private entities to further its mission.

The Imperative of Fact-Checking

The International Fact-Checking Network (IFCN)

In 2015, the Poynter Institute launched the International Fact-Checking Network (IFCN), a groundbreaking initiative aimed at establishing and upholding a rigorous code of ethics for fact-checking organizations worldwide. The IFCN meticulously reviews fact-checkers for adherence to its code, issuing a certification to publishers who successfully pass its audit. This certification, valid for one year, necessitates annual re-examination to ensure continued compliance and reliability.

Influence and Evolving Landscape

The IFCN's certification has played a significant role in the digital media ecosystem. Notably, Facebook utilized IFCN's certification to vet publishers for its fact-checking contracts, highlighting the network's perceived authority. However, in 2025, Meta (Facebook's parent company) announced a shift away from IFCN-certified fact-checkers, opting instead for a "community notes" system, akin to the approach taken by the X social network. Despite this evolution, the IFCN remains widely recognized by organizations like Deutsche Welle as the most prominent fact-checking consortium globally, underscoring its enduring influence on media reliability.

Dissemination and Dialogue

To further its mission of promoting accurate information, the IFCN, in collaboration with the American Press Institute, co-publishes Factually, a dedicated newsletter focusing on fact-checking methodologies and journalism ethics. Additionally, the IFCN organizes Global Fact, an annual conference that convenes fact-checkers and media professionals from around the world to discuss best practices, emerging challenges, and the future of fact-checking.

Cultivating Journalistic Talent

News University (NewsU)

News University (NewsU) represents a cornerstone project of the Poynter Institute, providing comprehensive journalism training through innovative and accessible methods. Its offerings include a diverse range of e-learning courses, interactive webinars, and engaging learning games, all designed to enhance the skills and knowledge of aspiring and seasoned journalists alike. NewsU's curriculum covers various facets of modern journalism, from ethical reporting to digital storytelling.

Supporting Educational Excellence

The sustained success and expansion of NewsU are significantly bolstered by the generous funding provided by the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation. This crucial support enables Poynter to continuously develop and deliver high-quality educational resources, ensuring that journalists have access to the latest training and tools necessary to thrive in an ever-evolving media landscape.

Recognizing Media Excellence

The Poynter Journalism Prizes

In a significant development for journalism recognition, the News Leaders Association (NLA) transferred the stewardship of its prestigious NLA Awards to the Poynter Institute in 2023. Commencing in 2024, Poynter will administer this esteemed contest, which has been rebranded as The Poynter Journalism Prizes. This transition solidifies Poynter's role as a central authority in celebrating outstanding achievements in journalism across various categories.

The Roy Peter Clark Award

Further expanding its commitment to recognizing excellence, Poynter announced the establishment of a new accolade in 2023: The Roy Peter Clark Award for Excellence in Short Writing. This award honors the legacy of Roy Peter Clark, a renowned writing coach, and aims to celebrate exceptional skill in concise and impactful journalistic prose, encouraging precision and clarity in reporting.

Poynter Medal for Lifetime Achievement

Honoring Enduring Contributions

Since 2015, the Poynter Institute has bestowed the distinguished Poynter Medal for Lifetime Achievement in Journalism. This esteemed award recognizes individuals who have made profound and lasting contributions to the field of journalism, embodying the highest standards of integrity, dedication, and impact throughout their careers. The recipients represent a pantheon of influential figures whose work has shaped public discourse and informed generations.

A comprehensive list of the distinguished recipients of the Poynter Medal for Lifetime Achievement in Journalism:

Year	Recipient(s)	Affiliation / Notable Role
2015	Bob Schieffer	Former CBS News anchor and host of Face the Nation
2016	Tom Brokaw	Former anchor of NBC Nightly News
2017	Judy Woodruff	Anchor and managing editor of PBS NewsHour
2018	Lester Holt	Anchor of NBC Nightly News and Dateline NBC
2019	Katie Couric	Broadcast journalist, author, and media entrepreneur
2020	Chris Wallace	Anchor of Fox News Sunday
2021	Lesley Stahl	Correspondent for CBS News' 60 Minutes
2022	Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein	Investigative journalists
2023	Anderson Cooper	Broadcast journalist and political commentator for CNN
2024	Robin Roberts	Co-anchor of ABC's Good Morning America
2025	Jane Pauley	Host of CBS Sunday Morning

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References

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This page was generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The content is based on a snapshot of publicly available data from Wikipedia and may not be entirely accurate, complete, or up-to-date.

This is not professional journalistic or media ethics advice. The information provided on this website is not a substitute for consulting official Poynter Institute resources, engaging with professional journalism education, or seeking advice from qualified media professionals. Always refer to the official documentation and guidance from reputable journalistic organizations for specific ethical dilemmas or professional development needs. Never disregard professional advice because of something you have read on this website.

The creators of this page are not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for any actions taken based on the information provided herein.

The Beacon of Journalistic Integrity

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Introducing Poynter ℹ️

🏛️ A Pillar of Media Education

📰 Key Affiliations and Holdings

🧭 Guiding Principles and Leadership

Historical Trajectory 📜

🌱 Genesis: The Modern Media Institute

🔄 Evolution and Enduring Legacy

Funding & Strategic Initiatives 💰

🤝 Philanthropic and Programmatic Investments

🏛️ Government Support and Partnerships

The Imperative of Fact-Checking ✅

🌐 The International Fact-Checking Network (IFCN)

📈 Influence and Evolving Landscape

🗣️ Dissemination and Dialogue

Cultivating Journalistic Talent 📚

💻 News University (NewsU)

🌟 Supporting Educational Excellence

Recognizing Media Excellence 🏆

🏅 The Poynter Journalism Prizes

✍️ The Roy Peter Clark Award

Poynter Medal for Lifetime Achievement 🌟

✨ Honoring Enduring Contributions

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📜 Important Notice

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

Introducing Poynter

A Pillar of Media Education

Key Affiliations and Holdings

Guiding Principles and Leadership

Historical Trajectory

Genesis: The Modern Media Institute

Evolution and Enduring Legacy

Funding & Strategic Initiatives

Philanthropic and Programmatic Investments

Government Support and Partnerships

The Imperative of Fact-Checking

The International Fact-Checking Network (IFCN)

Influence and Evolving Landscape

Dissemination and Dialogue

Cultivating Journalistic Talent

News University (NewsU)

Supporting Educational Excellence

Recognizing Media Excellence

The Poynter Journalism Prizes

The Roy Peter Clark Award

Poynter Medal for Lifetime Achievement

Honoring Enduring Contributions

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Notice