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Bergisch Gladbach's Citizen Portal: Maintaining Editorial Independence During Election Campaigns
The citizen portal of Bergisch Gladbach is a valuable resource for residents, offering a wealth of information without a paywall. But how does this platform sustain itself, especially during election campaigns, while maintaining editorial independence?
The citizen portal generates income through a combination of small donations, grants, ethically managed advertising, and revenue from local businesses. This approach ensures that the platform remains financially viable while safeguarding its editorial independence.
Small Donations and Crowdfunding
Many users support the citizen portal with small, individual donations. These contributions are transparently solicited without any ties to content or editorial influence, ensuring that income sources do not compromise independence.
Grants and Nonpartisan Funding
Nonprofit organisations and foundations that support civic engagement, election transparency, or journalism often provide grants to the citizen portal. These funds come with strict conditions prohibiting influence over editorial content.
Advertising with Ethical Standards
Advertising on the citizen portal is mainly from local businesses and involves nonpartisan, relevant ads, such as public service announcements or civic engagement campaigns. Ads are clearly labelled and have no influence on reportage or editorial stance.
Transparency and Governance
Editorial independence is maintained through transparent governance structures that separate financial management from editorial teams, and by clearly disclosing funding sources to users.
Avoidance of Soft Money or Partisan Funding
The citizen portal avoids accepting or channeling funds that could be considered “soft money” or come with strings attached that might influence editorial content. This practice mirrors regulations in campaign finance, such as those addressed by the Bipartisan Campaign Reform Act (BCRA).
Excluding Advertisers with Inappropriate Attitudes
Parties with attitudes not in line with the liberal and democratic order, or those violating human dignity, are excluded from advertising on the citizen portal.
Editorial Decisions Based on Journalistic Criteria
The editorial team decides content-related issues based on journalistic criteria, regardless of advertising orders. This ensures that the content remains objective and unbiased.
Supporting the Citizen Portal
Residents can make a one-time donation to support the citizen portal's journalistic work. This donation goes directly into funding the journalistic work, ensuring the platform's sustainability.
First published for the 2020 election, this article remains relevant today. As the local election heats up, with candidates' faces appearing everywhere, including the citizen portal, it's important to remember that the platform remains committed to maintaining editorial independence.
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