Nieman Foundation at Harvard
In April, the future of The Markup, a nonprofit news site that aimed to explore the societal impact of big tech and algorithms, suddenly looked uncertain. Julia Angwin, the site’s cofounder and editor-in-chief, was fired by her two cofounders, Sue Gardner and Jeff Larson, and the site’s remaining editorial staff resigned in protest of Angwin’s firing. Journalists, academics, and others came down strongly on the side of Angwin, and the site’s funders — including Craig Newmark, who contributed $20 million for launch — pledged to look into the matter. In May, Larson and Gardner left.
“Technology is shaping our world faster than most people can keep up, before we can digest the implications of any of it. We believe our data-driven approach to tech accountability journalism will bring facts to this emotional debate,” Angwin said in a statement. “And I can’t think of two more accomplished leaders in their fields than Nabiha and Evelyn to join me in the venture.”
From The Markup’s announcement:
Based in New York City, The Markup is expected to begin publishing its investigative work by the end of the year. The organization includes investigative data journalists Jon Keegan, Surya Mattu, Maddy Varner; investigative reporters Adrianne Jeffries and Lauren Kirchner; explanatory reporter Xavier Harding; data science editor Leon Yin; analytics lead Michelle Bellettiere; and dev ops engineer Simon Fondrie-Teitler. Investigative reporter Aaron Sankin also joins as a correspondent.
I’m so proud that all the reporters are returning to the newsroom – @jonkeegan @lkirchner @suryamattu @adrjeffries @leonyin @tenuous and @iamxavier – along with our wonderful tech colleagues who held down the fort for us @varlogsimon and @NPRBelle /2
— Julia Angwin (@JuliaAngwin) August 6, 2019
We are grateful to our funders @craignewmark @macfound @fordfoundation @knightfdn @opensociety peter_barbey for supporting us through this transition. /4
— Julia Angwin (@JuliaAngwin) August 6, 2019
That support made all the difference during these stressful past few months when the team was working (ok, and doing a lot of eating) at my kitchen table. We are back at the office now and so thrilled to be back to work. THANK YOU pic.twitter.com/EPd6i5pXxG
— Julia Angwin (@JuliaAngwin) August 6, 2019
After working closely w/the other funders & great folks at The Markup, including Julia & Nabiha, happy to continue to support The Markup. With so much talent involved I look forward to watching the good work Markup will do to advance truth in journalism.https://t.co/QtUVYTumg1
— craig newmark (@craignewmark) August 6, 2019
This is good news for the world — and bad news for tech companies abusing power. https://t.co/7TlWh8cxmw
— Eric Umansky (@ericuman) August 6, 2019
This is the greatest sentence ("staff is working out of temporary office space belonging to WeWork, the tech-happy real estate company that The Markup could conceivably cover 1 day”) after the news of @nabihasyed 4 Pres. Congrats @JuliaAngwin @team_markup. https://t.co/zFneITZgM9
— emgollie (@emgollie) August 7, 2019
real talk we’ll never know all the gory details behind the markup but:
I’m just relieved and ecstatic there will be a nonprofit news org focused on covering tech, and I trust julia and her editorial super team to deliver with aplomb and integrity
— Allen Tan (@tealtan) August 7, 2019
The Markup is also looking to fill more positions.
We strongly encourage applicants who are people of color, LGBTQ, women, people with disabilities, and/or formerly incarcerated people. A college degree is not required. If accommodation is needed to participate in the application or process, email jobs@themarkup.org.
— The Markup (@team_markup) August 6, 2019
