Focus: watchdog, investigative journalism in Virginia; conservative, small government/anti-tax slant; original reporting and some narrative coverage from other media sources

Started: October 2009

Staff: Paige Winfield, editor and writer

Funding: non-profit, 501(c)3, a project of The Franklin Center for Public Integrity, by the Sam Adams Alliance.

Site: virginia.watchdog.org

From About:

Virginia Watchdog is dedicated to balanced news reporting that promotes responsible state and local government.

The goal of Virginia Watchdog is to uncover the actions of government officials and agencies, offering carefully researched data, context and analysis.

We will investigate and inform the public about waste, fraud, abuse, ethical questions and safety concerns involving the use of taxpayer dollars. We’ll also applaud government services that are run efficiently and make exceptional use of funds.

Sample stories: “Citizens can check congressional office costs”; “Hamilton is third to resign on ethics charges”; “Imaginary Virginia districts reported on federal stimulus Web site”; “WaPo mention and Chesapeake Bay battles” news roundup.

Focus: regional watchdog journalism, “News you can sink your teeth into”; news categories include Broward Courts, Broward Sheriff’s Office and Federal Court

Started: October 2009

Staff: volunteer, to start; 3-person board of directors led by chairman and news editor and reporter Dan Christensen, board member/reporter Buddy Nevins, and board member Julie Kay. All are career journalists. Mr. Christensen was laid off from the Miami Herald this year. There is a 9-person board of advisors

Funding: non-profit 501(c)3 (application in process); will solicit donations from individuals and foundations

Site: browardbulldog.org

From About

Broward Bulldog is an independent, not for profit online-only newspaper created to provide authoritative local reporting in the public interest. We are Florida’s first non-profit regional news site staffed by veteran, professional journalists. Our reporters will provide issue-oriented and investigative coverage of government, politics, the courts, education, business, the environment, health and public safety.

Sample stories: “Anatomy of a Frame-Up”

Media mention: “Cheers to the New Bulldog Blog in Town” article from Broward-Palm Beach New Times

Focus: watchdog reporting on San Luis Obispo County

Started: January 2008

Employees/Writers: Founder and Editor Karen Velie; Originally co-founded by Ms. Velie, a professional writer, and Daniel Blackburn, a former Orange County Register bureau chief, but in June 2009 site announced Mr. Blackburn is leaving to pursue another start-up. According to the article: “CalCoastNews.com has plans to add new investigative reporters and is expanding content to include new sections in the next few months.”

Funding: advertising, donations

Site: calcoastnews.com

Investigative journalism is at an impasse. Today’s newspapers are suffering from time and fiscal constraints. As a result of numerous layoffs and budget cuts, investigative reporting has been squeezed down, and in some cases out. The watchdog function of the media is increasingly perceived as a thing of the past. This is a time when new models of journalism are being created to help maintain the media’s important watchdog function. The trend is clear: on-line journalism is the future. However, the bulk of news sources on the Web rely on unoriginal news and opinion. As it evolves, CalCoastNews.com will provide readers with calendar, news briefs, features, with an ever-vigilant emphasis on investigative reporting.

Sample stories: “Employees accused of pilfering county vehicles”; “Fraud lawsuit filed against Heritage Oaks Bank and Stewart Title.” Posts are every few days, bylined by Ms. Velie; some links to other news outlet content.