Knight Foundation

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.

“Three essential elements that fuel our well being: relationships, service and purpose.” — Dr. Vivek Murthy

“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...

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.

“Three essential elements that fuel our well being: relationships, service and purpose.” — Dr. Vivek Murthy

“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

"Trust is complex. There is a lack of trust in institutional media, and distrust in government, in academia and in science. With news influencers, there is a personal connection, uniqueness, people feel they are getting news and information that they can’t get elsewhere.” - @katmatsa.bsky.social

“There are days where I miss having an editor. I make mistakes that are out there and it hurts me. But it also allows me to say to the audience that I messed up, and it’s a moment to build trust and learn.” - Becca Farsace

“Journalists often work for institutions, and that feels correct for us, with checks and balances. It’s a signal to some people that it’s worthy of trust. To others, being part of an institution is less worthy of trust.” - @mayerjoy.bsky.social