As we build into a new model of policy journalism for the digital age, we’re learning there are new rules for the world that aren’t yet written down in many text books or taught in many journalism courses.
The digital age is different than the printing press age. So, how an outlet like the Washington State Wire engages with its community and peers should be different, too.
One way we are different is that all of our content is free to be used by any outlet in Washington State.
The Morning Wire: Keeping you informed on politics, policies, and personalities of Washington State.
Any content you see at the Wire, from our reporting from Olympia to our video content, is free to be used and shared by any outlet across the state.
We do this because there is more demand on quality civic and policy information today – but fewer business models to support it.
We don’t make money off of it. We don’t generate some fee on the back end. We do it because good reporting should be shared.
So, if you find something at the Wire you want to use, go ahead and use our stuff. Seriously, go ahead.
Here’s what we’d ask as rules to follow when you do it.
- Include the proper byline with the author. Follow the author with the “Washington State Wire.” The Nisqually Valley News had it right as you can see below.
- If you are a digital outlet, please include the original link to the story, either at the beginning, near the byline, or at the end of the story as a footnote.
- Send us a note to let us know you used it. We’d appreciate knowing you thought it had value.
That’s it. Pretty easy, right?
So, again, feel free to use our stuff. As one of the few outlets in the state covering Olympia directly, we’re happy to be a resource to our readers and to yours.
If you ever have any questions about this, feel free to email me directly.
Your support matters.
Public service journalism is important today as ever. If you get something from our coverage, please consider making a donation to support our work. Thanks for reading our stuff.
