How Can We Adequately Fund Independent Journalism?

On the one hand, we live in the best of times for freelance journalism, with seemingly more—and more varied—sources than ever to fund the work of independent journalists. In addition to fellowships and grants, there are ultra-democratic platforms like Beacon, Kickstarter, Patreon, andContributoria, each promising that journalists can take greater control of funding and raise the financial resources they need to report on subjects that might otherwise be overlooked.On the other hand, we live in the worst of times for freelance journalism.   With conventional media slashing freelance budgets, putting independent journalists and foreign stringers in precarious situations, and new media outlets often failing completely to provide the kind of financial backing that is required for freelancers to report stories responsibly (not to mention benefits of any sort), freelancers are more than ever functioning as the journalistic equivalent of cook, server, and bottle washer, as well as accountant, fund raiser, and payroll department.