Error admission and apology

In my previous post, I expressed my skepticism and disappointment with the contents of an online news source. I lamented the lack of transparency with the site, specifically who funds it.

I just visited the site again yesterday and…what a difference. The Intercept now contains MUCH more information about how it is funded as well as additional information than it did when I wrote the post. How is it that the site suddenly included more information, you ask? Let me explain.

I drafted that post months before I actually posted it. In the interim, the folks at The Intercept more fully populated their website with information detailing who they are, how they are funded, and even provided annual report information as well as annual copies of their Form 990.

For those unfamiliar, a Form 990 is the IRS return required of tax exempt, not-profit organizations. However, such organizations are not required by law to make their Form 990 publicly available unless requested. Nonetheless, the most ethically responsible organizations make it available on their website.  It is a much easier way to earn trust when such information is disclosed up front. So, if you want to know who financially backs a non-profit, request their Form 990, if it isn’t readily available.

Given the time that elapsed between when I drafted the post and when I published it, I should have rechecked their website. I didn’t and I apologize for that.