“We are only as free as our First Amendment is strong.” Maribel Pérez Wadsworth @knightfoundation.org at the Press Forward Illinois summit today in Chicago.

I wrote about why @knightfoundation.org invested in
@bsky.app: philanthropy can act when mission & opportunity align. We believe in @jay.bsky.team's vision for a better social web—& in ideas (like @masnick.com's) that grow out of the research ecosystem Knight has long supported. kf.org/kfbluesky

This isn’t new territory for us.

In 2019, a @knightcolumbia.org paper by @masnick.com argued that the social web needed open protocols. That idea helped spark Bluesky.

From ideas to infrastructure; that’s why we invest in research on how information shapes public life.

Why Knight Foundation Invested in Bluesky - Knight Foundation John Sands explains our bet on a social web that protects speech, creates opportunity for publishers and creators, and enables research on the information ecosystem.

We invested in Bluesky’s Series B and wrote about why.

We see a possibility for a social web that protects speech, creates opportunity for publishers and creators and enables research on the information landscape.

Read @iohn.bsky.social's full take: kf.org/kfbluesky

@bsky.app

Read more about the grants here: kf.org/4pdAVkR

The new grants advance our longstanding commitment to the Motor City’s bright future through support for local arts, culture and public spaces that better connect all Detroiters to their community.

NEWS: Today, Knight Foundation is excited to announce $19.8 million in investments to support Detroit’s economic growth and cultural vitality.

Join us in celebrating and learn more here: kf.org/4nep7gm

Amalie brings nearly three decades of experience leading local news and newsroom transformation, including most recently at the International News Media Association and National Trust for Local News.

Today we announced that veteran newsroom leader Amalie Nash will join Knight Foundation as our Vice President of Journalism and lead our efforts to build a sustainable future for local news.

The Race to Rescue PBS and NPR Stations

Today, Knight Foundation is committing $10M to the Public Media Bridge Fund — part of a nearly $37M effort to support public media. We’re calling on others to join us in ensuring public media remains a pillar of civic life.

Read more in @nytimes.com:

www.nytimes.com/2025/08/19/b...

What Is News? As people are exposed to more information from more sources than ever before, how they define and feel about “news” has become less clear-cut. Pew Research Center.

9/ Dive into the full research here. And let us know, what does news mean to you? bit.ly/4djg4al

8/ The study doesn’t just reflect what people consume, but how they assign legitimacy. And that shapes trust, engagement, and the future of journalism.

7/ The emotional impact of news is real—and mixed. Many feel anxious or overwhelmed, but also see staying informed as a responsibility.

🗣️ “I need to know what is going on in the world, no matter how upsetting.” – Man, 70s

6/ Political leanings, in particular, came up often. Some distrust traditional outlets; others are wary of perceived bias.

5/ Personal identity shapes what people see as newsworthy. Race, gender, religion, and politics all influence not just what people pay attention to, but how they interpret it.

4/ Hard news still resonates. Wars, government policy, crime. Soft news—like celebrity stories—is often seen as outside the bounds.

🗣️ “Sports and celebrities aren’t news to me. Wars are.” – Woman, 20s

3/ For many, importance is key. Some said news is what matters to society. Others said it’s what matters to them personally.

2/ Americans broadly agree: news is fact-based, verified, and relevant. But how they define “relevant” varies—especially by age, race, and political identity.

What is “news” to Americans – and what isn’t? The latest research from the Pew-Knight Initiative asked just that. Here’s what we heard 🧵👇

Knight Foundation appoints new vice president of Community Impact, announces two new strategic roles for AI and research Francesca de Quesada Covey will lead Knight’s Community Impact program nationally and across Knight cities. Knight veterans take on new leadership positions: Kelly Jin as vice president for AI and Ins...

Join us in celebrating and learn more here! kf.org/4kn7LfS

Knight veterans will also take on new leadership positions: Kelly Jin as vice president for AI and Insights and @iohn.bsky.social as vice president for Information and Society. (3/4)

Public innovation leader Francesca de Quesada Covey will lead Knight’s Community Impact program nationally and across Knight cities. (2/4)

Today we announced new leadership appointments reflecting our commitment to strengthening community engagement, information and technology. (1/4)

Congratulations to @knightfoundation.org’s President and CEO @maribel-wadsworth.bsky.social on being named to the inaugural 2025 TIME100 Philanthropy list.

The full list will appear in the June 9, 2025 issue of TIME, available on newsstands on Friday, May 30, and now at time.com/collections/...

TOMORROW! Join the #KECC Info Session at 1:00PM EDT on Zoom. Learn about the program, get tips on applying, and ask your questions!

🗓️ Applications close May 28 — don’t wait!
🔗 Register: us02web.zoom.us/webinar/regi...
🌟 emergingcitychampions.org/apply/

@knightfoundation.org

The Knight Art + Tech Expansion Fund is now open for applications! Artists & orgs in Akron, Detroit & Miami can apply for funding to expand their digital capacity.

Info sessions, office hours & app here: kf.org/4cUNw6V

Public media saved lives during Helene. It shouldn't be defunded | Opinion Stations like Nashville Public Radio and Blue Ridge Public Radio are some of the few civic institutions that instill trust in an age of disinformation

Public media shows up when it matters most. In her latest op-ed, @knightfoundation.org President & CEO @maribel-wadsworth.bsky.social makes the case for why we must continue funding NPR, PBS and local stations that keep communities informed, connected and safe.

www.tennessean.com/story/opinio...

🚨 Applications are now open for the 2025–26 Knight Emerging City Champions program!

We’re looking for rising civic leaders in 8 Knight cities with a bold idea to improve their community. Sound like you or someone you know? Learn more and apply by May 28 ➡️ kf.org/42h8tFB.

From social media’s impact on our health and well-being to the importance of intimate, real-life connections,

Dr. Murthy reminded us that in moments of crisis, it’s not our online followers who show up—it’s the people we truly trust.