LOGIN DASHBOARD

    Explainers

    2 MIN READ

    Why we are launching a membership program

    The Record, February 25, 2019, Kathmandu

    Why we are launching a membership program

      Share this article

    Independent journalism requires readers’ support

    (The Record)

    The history of media tells us that the invention of each new medium, such as radio and television, holds great promise for raising human consciousness. That promise is squandered when media get taken over by businesses that want your attention to sell an unholy amount of advertisements. The internet, with its propensity to reward scale and virality, has proved to be no different. As giant tech platforms and machine-learning algorithms fueled by big data battle for your attention, media can manipulate your behavior in order to maximize profits. Clickbait articles with no substance, an endless stream of listicles, we’ve all been there – spending hours consuming information on the internet that is far from enriching.

    We want to build a community of readers who seek depth instead of the constant buzz of the daily news cycle.

    Luckily, the internet also enables another model of journalism. It’s a model that respects readers’ time and intelligence. It prioritizes thoughtfulness and reflection over a torrent of headlines. It promotes collaboration between journalists and readers. Its goal is not to maximize profit or to increase the number of users, but to maximize trust for healthy public discourse.

    It seeks to build a community around the shared belief that free press is foundational to a free society, and without it, there is no way to hold those in power accountable.

    We are calling this the membership model. We want to build a community of readers who seek depth instead of the constant buzz of the daily news cycle. We are a digital native publication – and we want to try new ideas and new ways to engage with our readers. We are a publication committed to public service and we want to continue covering issues without having to worry about catering to business interests. We are accountable to our readers and nobody else. We realize that our readers know so much more than us, and we are inviting them to play a more active part in telling stories.

    The Record began from the premise that new technology allows journalism to be democratized, and that the media does not, and should not, be the mouthpiece of governments and businesses.

    Our commitment to being inclusive means we won’t erect a paywall. We are convinced that membership is the best way of fostering independent journalism. We started out with crowdfunding, and have always run on readers’ support. Now, we’re asking our readers to deepen that relationship between the publication and readers by becoming members.

    If you’d like to support independent journalism by becoming a member, please contact us at connect@recordnepal.com



    author bio photo

    The Record  We are an independent digital publication based in Kathmandu, Nepal. Our stories examine politics, the economy, society, and culture. We look into events both current and past, offering depth, analysis, and perspective. Explore our features, explainers, long reads, multimedia stories, and podcasts. There’s something here for everyone.



    Comments

    Get the best of

    the Record

    Previous Next

    YOU MAY ALSO LIKE

    Opinions

    6 min read

    Supposed ‘suicides’ point towards police incompetence

    Abha Lal - June 2, 2020

    Angira’s death is one more example of brutality against Dalit bodies

    Perspectives

    Popular

    7 min read

    Can we stop talking about public intellectuals?

    Shubhanga Pandey - October 2, 2017

    COVID19

    News

    2 min read

    Covid19 Roundup, 13 April: 14 cases nationwide, govt’s 6T strategy & PM’s New Year address

    The Record - April 13, 2020

    A daily summary of Covid19 related developments that matter

    Explainers

    3 min read

    Nepal’s quest for legalising cannabis

    The Record - March 5, 2020

    New legislation seeks to end the existing blanket ban on the sale, cultivation and production of marijuana. It would also partially lift restrictions on the use of the weed for medicinal purposes.

    Explainers

    Longreads

    10 min read

    Biplab and Oli at the negotiating table, explained

    The Record - March 3, 2021

    Comrade Netra Bikram Chand ‘Biplab’ and Prime Minister Oli are both in difficult positions and they are both looking for a way out.

    Features

    5 min read

    Paternalistic and parochial: women decry new immigration rules

    Dewan Rai - February 10, 2021

    Proposed new rules will make it mandatory for women travellers to obtain permission from their families and the local government.

    Explainers

    2 min read

    Some claims in Putin memes circulating in Nepal are false

    Deepak Adhikari , Record Nepal - October 7, 2020

    At least two memes are circulating on social media in Nepal praising Russian President Vladimir Putin for granting audience to a visually-impaired Russian teenager. Some of the claims made in the memes are false.

    Features

    7 min read

    How the state continues to dispossess Chepangs

    Dewan Rai - July 28, 2020

    The forceful eviction of landless Chepangs from protected forest areas is a violation of their constitutional rights

    • About
    • Contributors
    • Jobs
    • Contact

    CONNECT WITH US

    © Copyright the Record | All Rights Reserved | Privacy Policy