The 2026 INN Index
June 9, 2026
The 2026 INN Index
Executive Summary 2025 was an especially volatile year for journalism, and nonprofit news in particular. From threats to 501(c)(3) status, increased safety risks for reporters on the ground, funding rescissions, […]
June 9, 2026
Methods & Definitions
Our research team’s methods and defined terms are explained below. Please email any questions to INN’s researcher Ha Ta at ha@inn.org. METHODS About the survey: INN distributed the Index survey […]
June 9, 2026
Public Media
By Ha Ta By the numbers • The INN Network includes 35 public media outlets, accounting for approximately 7% of all members. • A majority of INN public media members […]
June 9, 2026
Timely Topics
By Michele McLellan By the numbers: • Eight in 10 (81%) nonprofit news organizations employ artificial intelligence, continuing a consistent increase over the past three years. • Publishers most frequently […]
June 9, 2026
Revenue & Expenses
By Jesse Holcomb By the numbers • Median revenue saw little decrease year over year at $525,000. • Nearly half (49%) of members draw upon at least four distinct revenue streams, […]
June 9, 2026
Staff & Capacity
By Michele McLellan By the numbers • INN member outlets together employed an estimated 4,700 full-time equivalent (FTE) employees, about the same number as the previous year. • Nonprofit news […]
June 9, 2026
Network Composition
By Michele McLellan By the numbers • Local organizations increased in both numbers and as a share of INN membership, making up 54% of outlets, even as growth in other […]
June 8, 2026
Audience & Distribution
By Ha Ta By the numbers • Content distribution strategies across INN members have remained relatively stable over the past three years, with roughly 3 in 4 outlets reporting that […]
From local news to in-depth reporting on pressing global issues, INN’s 500+ members tell stories that otherwise would go untold – connecting communities, holding the powerful accountable, and strengthening democracy.
