The New Mexico 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 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 launched 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.
Reach
From the launch of our first site in July 2006 through June 2011, AINN has tallied:
39.7 million unique visitors on sites.
1,728 direct citations of our reporters in newspapers and periodicals.
930 appearances by our reporters on TV and radio.
All told, our reporters generated over 960.4 million impressions on TV, radio, and newspapers.