A new survey from @knightfoundation.org and @ssrsresearch.bsky.social reveals a disquieting decline in how free Americans feel to use the freedoms protected by the #FirstAmendment without government interference or punishment. 🧵

Knight Foundation-SSRS Poll: Americans Feel Free Expression is Eroding - Knight Foundation

For more than two decades, Knight Foundation has commissioned research to better understand Americans’ lived experience with the First Amendment and free expression. As the country marks its 250th ann...

knightfoundation.org

Today, Knight Foundation and Village Media announced a new initiative to launch 15 newsrooms across three U.S. states. The partnership brings Village's proven model for sustainable local journalism to communities where trusted local information is increasingly at risk. Story link in comments.

What does public engagement really look like? New PKI research finds Americans don’t fit neatly on an “engaged-to-disengaged” spectrum. Four distinct types emerge—and trust in news varies sharply among them. How can news and civic leaders reach those least connected? Report link in replies.

Independent research has powered debates from Big Tobacco to Big Tech. In a @chronphilanthropy.bsky.social op-ed, Knight’s @ajdamico.bsky.social urges funders to move beyond one-off studies and support field-building work in tech, media and information research: www.philanthropy.com/opinion/opin...

“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

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.

kf.org

Bluesky@bsky.app · 5mo ago

Last April, we raised $100M in Series B funding. This round gives us the ability to scale our team to meet the rapid growth of Bluesky and the AT Protocol. Read more: bsky.social/about/blog/0...

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

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.

kf.org

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

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.

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...

The Race to Rescue PBS and NPR Stations

nytimes.com

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 🧵👇

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 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...

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

tennessean.com

🚨 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.

“It is up to us to ensure that the doors of opportunity and the pathway to the American Dream are open to everyone.” — Dr. Vivek Murthy Watch #KMF25’s keynote with former U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy and Knight President & CEO @maribel-wadsworth.bsky.social: www.youtube.com/watch?v=NRAN...

“It is up to us to ensure that the doors of opportunity and the pathway to the American Dream are open to everyone.” — Dr. Vivek Murthy Watch the full #KMF25 keynote session with Dr. Vivek Murthy and Knight President & CEO@maribel-wadsworth.bsky.social here: kf.org/3Xc9pYC

How can we use AI to transform America’s cities for the better? @goldsmithongov.bsky.social led a conversation with @djpatil.bsky.social & @mattmahansj.bsky.social on how AI can break barriers & enhance government services. "Technology alone is information, but it isn’t insight," Patil cautioned.

Honored to sit down with @jay.bsky.team at Knight Media Forum for a conversation on their rapid growth to 30M+ users in just one year.

Jay Graber, @jay.bsky.team, CEO of @bsky.app joined @maribel-wadsworth.bsky.social on the #KMF25 stage for a timely conversation on the social network’s rapid growth, unique algorithm and how journalists can leverage it effectively. Watch the full conversation here: kf.org/419MKgK

Are content creators the new bloggers of the 2020s? As influencers gain trust as news sources, KMF25 brought together a panel of social media experts to discuss how creators are gaining news audiences by building trust & engagement ⬇️

AI: Reality or hype? The audience at #KMF25 was split—and so was our panel, moderated by @juliaangwin.com, featuring @randomwalker.bsky.social, Miriam Vogel and Luke Hogg. 🧵

At KMF25, @brandyzadrozny.bsky.social led an important discussion on the challenges of covering tech & politics, from disinformation to journalism intimidation. Check out insights from @juliaangwin.com win.com, @davey.bsky.social bsky.social, @naominix.bsky.social & @jeffhorwitz.bsky.social:

Local news fuels strong communities and economies. At KMF25, Dean Baquet, Anne Galloway, Steve Glazer and @jimbrady.bsky.social discussed the path forward—calling for bold leadership, adaptability and an unwavering commitment to truth. And, as Baquet pointed out, you can’t forget joy.

Knight President & CEO @maribel-wadsworth.bsky.social kicked off Knight Media Forum 2025, urging our 1k+ attendees to focus on local solutions to national issues, to rebuild trust and strengthen community resilience. Stay tuned for more highlights and key takeaways over the next 2 days!

🚨 @knightfdn.bsky.social is investing $25M in AJP to grow nonprofit #localnews! This funding will expand local philanthropy, support more nonprofit news organizations, and launch the Knight Resiliency Lab at AJP. More on @axios.com:

Exclusive: Knight Foundation invests $25M in American Journalism Project

The money will be used to grow AJP's reach from supporting 50 local newsrooms today to 60 over the next three years,

axios.com

In honor of the Eagles' win and the city of Philadelphia, every dollar donated today to the Eagles Autism Foundation will be matched by Knight Foundation until we hit $50,000. Happy Parade Day, and congrats @philadelphiaeagles.bsky.social! donate.eaglesautismfoundation.org/donations/ne...

📷 Students and rising civic leaders join U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor and Knight President and CEO @maribel-wadsworth.bsky.social for a conversation about the importance of civic participation, the free press and the vital role young people play in sustaining our democracy!