Franklin News Foundation
| Formation | 2009 |
|---|---|
| Type | 501(c)3 organization |
| 26-4066298 | |
| Purpose | Statehouse journalism |
| Location | |
Key people | Christopher Krug, President |
| Website | www |
The Franklin News Foundation, previously the Franklin Center for Government and Public Integrity, is an American online nonprofit news organization that publishes news and commentary from a conservative and free market, limited government perspective on state and local politics. Its journalism platform is called The Center Square, rebranded from Watchdog.org. Founded in 2009 in North Dakota, the organization moved to Virginia and is now based in Chicago. The foundation operates Chalkboard News, America's Talking Network, and the Illinois Radio Network in addition to its newswire services.
It was associated with reporting in 41 states as of its second year, but it scaled back later in the 2010s. Its stated mission is "to hold government accountable through objective, balanced, citizen-focused public journalism with a taxpayer sensibility." Much of its funding has come from conservative and Republican-connected large donors, especially via Donors Trust. Chris Krug is the foundation's president.