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{{Short description|American news website}}
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{{Infobox Website
{{italic title}}
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| name = Minnesota Independent
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{{Infobox website
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| favicon =
| logo = [[Image:Minnesota Independent logo-20081019.png]]
| name = ''The Minnesota Independent''
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| favicon =
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| screenshot =
| logo = Minnesota Independent logo-20081019.png
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| caption =
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| screenshot =
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| url = http://www.minnesotaindependent.com/
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| caption =
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| commercial = No
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| url = [http://www.minnesotaindependent.com/ www.minnesotaindependent.com]
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| type = Online Magazine
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| commercial = No
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| registration = To Add Comments
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| type = Online magazine
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| owner = [[American Independent News Network]]
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| registration = To Add Comments
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| author = [[American Independent News Network]]
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| owner = [[American Independent News Network]]
| launch date = August 2006
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| author = [[American Independent News Network]]
| current status =
| launch_date = August 2006; shut down in November 2011
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| revenue =
| current_status = Inactive
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| revenue =
}}
}}
'''''The Minnesota Independent''''', formerly '''''Minnesota Monitor''''', and sometimes known as '''MnIndy''', is an independent online newsmagazine. It launched in August 2006, with a focus on coverage of political issues. The newsmagazine is funded by the [[American Independent News Network]], a [[501(c)(3)]] non-profit that supports community-based reporting from a left-leaning perspective. The site publishes daily and is free to view.
'''''The Minnesota Independent''''', formerly '''''Minnesota Monitor''''', and sometimes known as '''MnIndy''', was an independent online news website. It launched in August 2006, with a focus on coverage of political issues. The website was funded by the [[American Independent News Network]]. The website was closed down in 2011.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Brauer|first1=David|title=Minnesota Independent staffer says news site is shutting down|url=https://www.minnpost.com/david-brauer-blog/2011/11/minnesota-independent-staffer-says-news-site-shutting-down|accessdate=10 December 2015|publisher=MinnPost|date=November 16, 2011}}</ref>


==Background==
==Background==


''Minnesota Independent'' is staffed by both salaried reporters and paid [[fellow]]s who receive a stipend for their writing contributions.<ref>[http://newjournalist.org/programs/ Center for Independent Media » Programs<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> The initial pool of writers included a number of journalists and liberal Minnesota [[blog]]gers, including original site editor [[Robin Marty]], [[Somali people|Somali]] journalist Abdi Ayne (who left to work for the [[BBC]] and is now employed by the [[Voice of America]]), Joe Bodell and others. Later, the site brought on board professional journalists, such as Eric Black, who had written for the [[Star Tribune]], and former [[City Pages]] writers Paul Demko and Molly Priesmeyer.
''Minnesota Independent'' was staffed by both salaried reporters and paid [[fellow]]s who received a stipend for their writing contributions.<ref>[http://newjournalist.org/programs/ Center for Independent Media » Programs<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> The initial pool of writers included a number of journalists and liberal Minnesota [[blog]]gers, including original site editor [[Robin Marty]], [[Somali people|Somali]] journalist Abdi Ayne, Joe Bodell and others. Later, the site brought on board professional journalists, such as Eric Black, who had written for the ''[[Star Tribune]]'', and former [[City Pages]] writers Paul Demko and Molly Priesmeyer.


The site is currently edited by [[Paul Schmelzer]], and boasts traffic of about 150,000 unique visitors per month. Traffic surpassed 250,000 in the month preceding the 2008 U.S. elections and surpassed 260,000 unique monthly visits in April 2009.<ref>{{cite web|title=Minnesota Monitor: This Year's Visits by Month|url=http://www.sitemeter.com/?a=stats&s=s26minnmon&r=36|publisher=Site Meter courtesy [http://www.minnpost.com/braublog/2008/11/10/4508/robson_birkey_gone_in_minnesota_independent_cutbacks MinnPost]|accessdate=2008-11-11}}</ref> A week after election day, the Center for Independent Media cut funding for two of six full-time staff members, Andy Birkey and Molly Priesmeyer, and for the entire freelance staff.<ref>{{cite news|author=Turck, Mary|title=Minnesota Independent staff slashed, DC office fumbles for explanation|url=http://www.tcdailyplanet.net/article/2008/11/10/minnesota-independent-staff-slashed-dc-office-fumbles-explanation.html|date=November 10, 2008|work=Twin Cities Daily Planet|publisher=Twin Cities Media Alliance|accessdate=2008-11-11}}</ref> Birkey has since been hired back, and a freelance budget, albeit smaller, was reinstated.
The site was edited by [[Paul Schmelzer]], and received about 150,000 unique visitors per month. Traffic surpassed 250,000 in the month preceding the 2008 U.S. elections and surpassed 260,000 unique monthly visits in April 2009.<ref>{{cite web|title=Minnesota Monitor: This Year's Visits by Month|url=http://www.sitemeter.com/?a=stats&s=s26minnmon&r=36|work=Site Meter courtesy|accessdate=2008-11-11}}</ref> A week after election day, the Center for Independent Media cut funding for two of six full-time staff members, Andy Birkey and Molly Priesmeyer, and for the entire freelance staff.<ref>{{cite news|author=Turck, Mary|title=Minnesota Independent staff slashed, DC office fumbles for explanation|url=http://www.tcdailyplanet.net/article/2008/11/10/minnesota-independent-staff-slashed-dc-office-fumbles-explanation.html|date=November 10, 2008|work=Twin Cities Daily Planet|publisher=Twin Cities Media Alliance|accessdate=2008-11-11}}</ref> Birkey has since been hired back, and a freelance budget, albeit smaller, was reinstated.


==History==
==History==


''Minnesota Independent'' has broken a number of major stories in its brief existence. During the [[Keith Ellison (politician)|Keith Ellison]] [[Qur'an oath controversy of the 110th United States Congress|Qur'an oath controversy]], the Independent's Abdi Aynte reported that Keith Ellison would not change his mind about being sworn in on the Qur'an. The ''Independent'' was the first to report that Living Word Christian Center may have violated IRS guidelines during a speech at the Church by Michele Bachmann.{{Citation needed|date=February 2010}} The story resulted in an ethical complaint being filed by [[Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington|CREW]] against the church.{{Citation needed|date=February 2010}}
''Minnesota Independent'' broke a number of stories. During the [[Keith Ellison (politician)|Keith Ellison]] [[Qur'an oath controversy of the 110th United States Congress|Qur'an oath controversy]], the ''Independent's'' Abdi Aynte reported that Keith Ellison would not change his mind about being sworn in on the Qur'an. The ''Independent'' was the first to report that Living Word Christian Center may have violated [[IRS]] guidelines during a speech at the Church by [[Michele Bachmann]].{{Citation needed|date=February 2010}} The story resulted in an ethical complaint being filed by [[Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington|CREW]] against the church.{{Citation needed|date=February 2010}}


The site also broke news that Minnesota [[United States Attorney]] [[Rachel Paulose]] was under investigation for mishandling classified information, and that a staffer for Rep. [[Michele Bachmann]] had sent out an emailed plea for support that violated house ethics rules.<ref>[http://minnesotamonitor.com/showDiary.do?diaryId=1440 Minnesota Monitor:: Bachmann Email May Violate Federal Law, House Ethics Rules<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>
The site also broke news that Minnesota [[United States Attorney]] [[Rachel Paulose]] was under investigation for mishandling classified information, and that a staffer for Rep. [[Michele Bachmann]] had sent out an emailed plea for support that violated house ethics rules.<ref>[http://minnesotamonitor.com/showDiary.do?diaryId=1440 Minnesota Monitor:: Bachmann Email May Violate Federal Law, House Ethics Rules<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>


''Minnesota Independent'' writers have won numerous awards. Reporter Andy Birkey won a 2010 Page One Award from the Society of Professional Journalists for best continuing coverage of the controversial Christian ministry You Can Run But You Cannot Hide<ref>{{cite web|title=Minnesota Independent wins journalism prizes for coverage of Christian ministry, Obama rally|url=http://minnesotaindependent.com/59245/minnesota-independent-society-professional-journalists-prize}}</ref>. Media writer Paul Schmelzer won a 2008 Frank Premack Award for Public Affairs Journalism from the University of Minnesota School of Journalism <ref>[http://minnesotamonitor.com/showDiary.do?diaryId=3386 Minnesota Monitor's Schmelzer wins a 2008 Premack Public Affairs Journalism Award<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> and a 2nd Place in the 2006 Society of Professional Journalists Page One Awards.<ref>[http://minnesotamonitor.com/showDiary.do?diaryId=1862 Center for Independent Media's 'New Journalist Program' Bloggers Win Journalism Awards<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> The site was nominated for the [[Koufax Awards]] in 2007<ref>[http://minnesotamonitor.com/showDiary.do?diaryId=1867 Minnesota Monitor nominated for a Koufax Award<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>, and [[Andy Birkey]] was a finalist for the 2007 Online Journalism Award for his coverage of [[LGBT]] issues.<ref>[http://journalist.org/awards/archives/000773.php Online Journalism Awards: 2007 Online Journalism Awards - Finalists<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> In 2008, the site won three Society of Professional Journalists Page One Awards<ref>[http://minnesotaindependent.com/4723/minnesota-independent-wins-three-society-of-professional-journalists-awards Minnesota Independent wins three Society of Professional Journalists awards]</ref>, and in 2009 increased the number of SPJ prizes to eight, including four first-place awards. Among independent online news enterprises it won best single news story (Paul Demko), best use of multimedia (Newsroom), best use of video (Paul Schmelzer) and best news blog (Newsroom).<ref>[http://minnesotaindependent.com/34923/mnindy-wins-four-first-place-page-one-awards-four-others MnIndy wins four first place Page One awards, four others]</ref>
''Minnesota Independent'' reporter Andy Birkey won a 2010 Page One Award from the [[Society of Professional Journalists]] for best continuing coverage of the controversial Christian ministry You Can Run But You Cannot Hide.<ref>{{cite web|title=Minnesota Independent wins journalism prizes for coverage of Christian ministry, Obama rally|url=http://minnesotaindependent.com/59245/minnesota-independent-society-professional-journalists-prize}}</ref> Media writer Paul Schmelzer won a 2008 Frank Premack Award for Public Affairs Journalism from the University of Minnesota School of Journalism <ref>[http://minnesotamonitor.com/showDiary.do?diaryId=3386 Minnesota Monitor's Schmelzer wins a 2008 Premack Public Affairs Journalism Award<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> and a 2nd Place in the 2006 Society of Professional Journalists Page One Awards.<ref>[http://minnesotamonitor.com/showDiary.do?diaryId=1862 Center for Independent Media's 'New Journalist Program' Bloggers Win Journalism Awards<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> The site was nominated for the [[Koufax Award]] in 2007,<ref>[http://minnesotamonitor.com/showDiary.do?diaryId=1867 Minnesota Monitor nominated for a Koufax Award<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> and [[Andy Birkey]] was a finalist for the 2007 Online Journalism Award for his coverage of [[LGBT]] issues.<ref>[http://journalist.org/awards/archives/000773.php Online Journalism Awards: 2007 Online Journalism Awards - Finalists<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> In 2008, the site won three Society of Professional Journalists Page One Awards,<ref>[http://minnesotaindependent.com/4723/minnesota-independent-wins-three-society-of-professional-journalists-awards Minnesota Independent wins three Society of Professional Journalists awards]</ref> and in 2009 increased the number of SPJ prizes to eight, including four first-place awards. Among independent online news enterprises it won best single news story (Paul Demko), best use of multimedia (Newsroom), best use of video (Paul Schmelzer) and best news blog (Newsroom).<ref>[http://minnesotaindependent.com/34923/mnindy-wins-four-first-place-page-one-awards-four-others MnIndy wins four first place Page One awards, four others]</ref>


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==Editorial stance==
==Controversy==


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The ''Minnesota Independent'''s focus and editorial slant was politically [[Left-wing politics|left]]. Fellows were drawn from media outlets including ''[[City Pages]]'' and the ''[[Star Tribune]]'', as well from the left-of-center blogging community in Minnesota. The site featured a code of [[ethics]] that reads in part, "New Journalist Fellows should be honest, tireless, fair and courageous in gathering, reporting and interpreting information for the public."<ref>[http://minnesotamonitor.com/showDiary.do?diaryId=21 Minnesota Monitor:: Code of Ethics<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>
The ''Minnesota Monitor'' came under fire from Minnesota blogger [[Michael Brodkorb]] in October 2006. He asserted that the Center for Independent Media was funded by [[Media Matters for America]], and by extension, [[George Soros]].<ref>[http://www.minnesotademocratsexposed.com/2006/10/02/mde-exclusive-minnesota-monitor-center-for-independent-media-exposed/ Mde Exclusive: Minnesota Monitor & Center For Independent Media Exposed | Minnesota Democrats Exposed<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> In a response, ''Monitor'' editor Robin Marty stated that "the Center for Independent Media is not receiving funding from Media Matters for America."<ref>[http://minnesotamonitor.com/showDiary.do?diaryId=432 Minnesota Monitor:: Brodkorb Gets It Wrong Again<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>. The Center's list of its donors includes 15 named foundations<ref>[http://newjournalist.org/donate/ Center for Independent Media:: Donate page<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>, among them the Open Society Institute, a nonprofit founded by George Soros. Because of this, conservative bloggers have taken the former editor's unwillingness to explain the site's funding sources as license to refer to ''Monitor'' staffers as "Soros employee[s]." <ref>[http://www.shotinthedark.info/archives/008059.html Shot In The Dark: Fact-Checking The Fact-Checkers For "Facts" That Aren't Facially Actually Factual<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> One ''Monitor'' fellow, [[Jeff Fecke]], has joked about receiving the "sweet, sweet Soros money." <ref>[http://moderateleft.com/?p=2881 The Fifth Annual Golden Brownies 2006 Extravaganza | Blog of the Moderate Left<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>

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==Editorial Stance==

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The ''Minnesota Independent'''s focus and editorial slant is politically [[American liberalism|liberal]]. Fellows have been drawn from mainstream media outlets including [[City Pages]] and the [[Star Tribune]], as well from the liberal blogging community in Minnesota. The site features a code of [[ethics]] that reads in part, "New Journalist Fellows should be honest, tireless, fair and courageous in gathering, reporting and interpreting information for the public."<ref>[http://minnesotamonitor.com/showDiary.do?diaryId=21 Minnesota Monitor:: Code of Ethics<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>


==Contributors==
==Contributors==
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*[http://www.minnesotaindependent.com/ The Minnesota Independent]
*[http://www.minnesotaindependent.com/ The Minnesota Independent]


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{{DEFAULTSORT:Minnesota Independent}}
[[Category:American news magazines]]
[[Category:Publications established in 2006]]
[[Category:2006 establishments in Minnesota]]
[[Category:News websites]]
[[Category:2011 disestablishments in Minnesota]]
[[Category:Media in Minneapolis, Minnesota]]
[[Category:News magazines published in the United States]]
[[Category:Online magazines published in the United States]]
[[Category:Defunct magazines published in the United States]]
[[Category:Magazines established in 2006]]
[[Category:Magazines published in Minnesota]]
[[Category:Mass media in Minneapolis–Saint Paul]]
[[Category:Magazines disestablished in 2011]]

Latest revision as of 01:25, 9 August 2022

The Minnesota Independent
Type of site
Online magazine
OwnerAmerican Independent News Network
Created byAmerican Independent News Network
URLwww.minnesotaindependent.com
CommercialNo
RegistrationTo Add Comments
LaunchedAugust 2006; shut down in November 2011
Current statusInactive

The Minnesota Independent, formerly Minnesota Monitor, and sometimes known as MnIndy, was an independent online news website. It launched in August 2006, with a focus on coverage of political issues. The website was funded by the American Independent News Network. The website was closed down in 2011.[1]

Background[edit]

Minnesota Independent was staffed by both salaried reporters and paid fellows who received a stipend for their writing contributions.[2] The initial pool of writers included a number of journalists and liberal Minnesota bloggers, including original site editor Robin Marty, Somali journalist Abdi Ayne, Joe Bodell and others. Later, the site brought on board professional journalists, such as Eric Black, who had written for the Star Tribune, and former City Pages writers Paul Demko and Molly Priesmeyer.

The site was edited by Paul Schmelzer, and received about 150,000 unique visitors per month. Traffic surpassed 250,000 in the month preceding the 2008 U.S. elections and surpassed 260,000 unique monthly visits in April 2009.[3] A week after election day, the Center for Independent Media cut funding for two of six full-time staff members, Andy Birkey and Molly Priesmeyer, and for the entire freelance staff.[4] Birkey has since been hired back, and a freelance budget, albeit smaller, was reinstated.

History[edit]

Minnesota Independent broke a number of stories. During the Keith Ellison Qur'an oath controversy, the Independent's Abdi Aynte reported that Keith Ellison would not change his mind about being sworn in on the Qur'an. The Independent was the first to report that Living Word Christian Center may have violated IRS guidelines during a speech at the Church by Michele Bachmann.[citation needed] The story resulted in an ethical complaint being filed by CREW against the church.[citation needed]

The site also broke news that Minnesota United States Attorney Rachel Paulose was under investigation for mishandling classified information, and that a staffer for Rep. Michele Bachmann had sent out an emailed plea for support that violated house ethics rules.[5]

Minnesota Independent reporter Andy Birkey won a 2010 Page One Award from the Society of Professional Journalists for best continuing coverage of the controversial Christian ministry You Can Run But You Cannot Hide.[6] Media writer Paul Schmelzer won a 2008 Frank Premack Award for Public Affairs Journalism from the University of Minnesota School of Journalism [7] and a 2nd Place in the 2006 Society of Professional Journalists Page One Awards.[8] The site was nominated for the Koufax Award in 2007,[9] and Andy Birkey was a finalist for the 2007 Online Journalism Award for his coverage of LGBT issues.[10] In 2008, the site won three Society of Professional Journalists Page One Awards,[11] and in 2009 increased the number of SPJ prizes to eight, including four first-place awards. Among independent online news enterprises it won best single news story (Paul Demko), best use of multimedia (Newsroom), best use of video (Paul Schmelzer) and best news blog (Newsroom).[12]

Editorial stance[edit]

The Minnesota Independent's focus and editorial slant was politically left. Fellows were drawn from media outlets including City Pages and the Star Tribune, as well from the left-of-center blogging community in Minnesota. The site featured a code of ethics that reads in part, "New Journalist Fellows should be honest, tireless, fair and courageous in gathering, reporting and interpreting information for the public."[13]

Contributors[edit]

  • Andy Birkey
  • Patrick Caldwell
  • Luke Johnson
  • Paul Schmelzer (Editor)

References[edit]

  1. ^ Brauer, David (November 16, 2011). "Minnesota Independent staffer says news site is shutting down". MinnPost. Retrieved 10 December 2015.
  2. ^ Center for Independent Media » Programs
  3. ^ "Minnesota Monitor: This Year's Visits by Month". Site Meter courtesy. Retrieved 2008-11-11.
  4. ^ Turck, Mary (November 10, 2008). "Minnesota Independent staff slashed, DC office fumbles for explanation". Twin Cities Daily Planet. Twin Cities Media Alliance. Retrieved 2008-11-11.
  5. ^ Minnesota Monitor:: Bachmann Email May Violate Federal Law, House Ethics Rules
  6. ^ "Minnesota Independent wins journalism prizes for coverage of Christian ministry, Obama rally".
  7. ^ Minnesota Monitor's Schmelzer wins a 2008 Premack Public Affairs Journalism Award
  8. ^ Center for Independent Media's 'New Journalist Program' Bloggers Win Journalism Awards
  9. ^ Minnesota Monitor nominated for a Koufax Award
  10. ^ Online Journalism Awards: 2007 Online Journalism Awards - Finalists
  11. ^ Minnesota Independent wins three Society of Professional Journalists awards
  12. ^ MnIndy wins four first place Page One awards, four others
  13. ^ Minnesota Monitor:: Code of Ethics

External links[edit]

Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=The_Minnesota_Independent&oldid=1103255615"