Spotlight on Digital Media And Learning

11.18.10 | If you have ideas about how to advance the future of news through technology, the Knight Foundation wants to hear from you.

The Knight News Challenge contest awards up to $5 million dollars annually to fund media innovations that use digital open-source technologies to distribute public interest news. This year’s applications are due Dec. 1.

Projects must fit one of four categories: mobile, authenticity, sustainability and community.

Anyone, anywhere in the world is eligible to apply. Applicants need only submit a short project description. Knight will request a full proposal from applicants selected to advance to the next stage.

Past projects have included a tool to create game-based editorial cartoons, an experimental media project about U.S. military operations in Afghanistan using social media, and an online augmented reality game to raise awareness about environmental issues.

Details are available on the contest’s web page. You can also read and comment on projects others have submitted and hear tips from past winners.

Knight staff will answer questions about the News Challenge during a live chat Thursday, Nov. 18, at 1:30 p.m. EST.

Good luck!