Proposal: Building a better understanding of blockchain across mainstream global media
Link to full proposal: (PDF)
Link to Budget: (GDocs)
Requested DOT: 53,938.013 ($234,024 @ $4.45/DOT) —
Note: As the budget in the discussion proposal was originally created ~12 months ago, we've increased the grant size by 15% (from $206,182) to reflect the inflation that has occurred since then.
Proposal discussion on AAG: (YouTube)
Proposal context
The beneficiary and implementer of this proposal is the Thomson Reuters Foundation (TRF). Every.org are the proposer, supporting TRF to exchange any DOT granted to US dollars in order to fund the pilot training programme that aims to “Build a better understanding of blockchain across mainstream global media”.
TRF is an independent charity, registered in the UK and the USA (as TRF INC). We work to advance media freedom, foster more inclusive economies, and promote human rights. Through news, media development, free legal assistance and convening initiatives, we combine our unique services to drive systemic change. We use the combined power of journalism and the law to build global awareness of critical issues faced by humanity, inspire collective leadership, and help shape a prosperous world where no one is left behind. We believe that societies around the world should be free, fair and informed.
Following an introductory meeting and Web3 Foundation relationship scoping workshop in Zug (27th July 2022), TRF are proposing a strategic partnership, which will aim to build a more accurate and deeper understanding of Web3 and blockchain technologies across audiences who are not familiar with it and who are exposed to more traditional narratives (e.g. cryptocurrencies facilitate illegal activities and pollute the environment). The aim of the partnership is to educate non-crypto audiences and journalists on a global scale to better understand the fast-evolving blockchain ecosystem (For example, the downfall of FTX, a news story that went mainstream, involving politicians and celebrities. Many journalists struggled to report on this incident accurately, due to their limited knowledge of the crypto ecosystem and one of its largest exchanges.) and its potential applications beyond decentralised finance (DeFi).
TRF proposes to launch the partnership with a pilot programme to scope, develop and test a new training programme that responds to this aim. The pilot will be delivered iteratively in collaboration with the Web3 Foundation to achieve a robust and needs-driven training methodology that can be effectively scaled in anticipated future phases of the partnership.
Comments (8)
Requested
Proposal Passed
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@saxemberg
We’re currently working on going through the verification process and it should be complete within the next couple of days!
The current proposal and budget focuses on the Phase 1 pilot in Europe. There is a full budget for Phase 1, with costs broken down line by line at the top of this discussion. We will always be transparent regarding costs, aiming to ensure maximum visibility and understanding for the Polkadot Community. However, we thought it would be prudent to mention Phase 2, to demonstrate our commitment to this project over the longer term and make clear our ambition to deliver in multiple regions globally. Rest assured the Thomson Reuters and Web3 Foundations will capture detailed feedback and learnings from the delivery of the pilot course with a view to fine tuning the training proposition and any future budgets. This feedback will then inform the goals and outcomes of any further iterations of this specialist training.
Regarding the impact we hope to have on reporting… Creating fairer crypto/blockchain storytelling by mainstream media requires a multifaceted approach that involves education, responsible journalism, and transparency. So for example, providing journalists with comprehensive education on cryptocurrencies, blockchain technology, and the underlying principles. We believe this education should cover both the technical aspects and the economic implications of crypto, helping them understand the complexities and potential impact. The Thomson Reuters Foundation has a 40-year history of training journalists globally. We are the sector leaders in this field and will always insist journalists present a balanced view of cryptocurrencies, highlighting both the potential benefits and risks. As part of our editorial principles and guidelines, we always insist that the journalists who we train, deploy a rigorous fact-checking process into any of their reporting to ensure that information is accurate and verified, as we know misinformation and incorrect data can lead to confusion and misinterpretation of crypto-related news. The Phase 1 pilot learning structure has been intentionally created, so it is a deep dive learning journey. This is not a flash in the pan online course, lasting a few hours or days. The whole idea is to bring influential journalists much closer to the heart of the blockchain/crypto community to build a better understanding, knowledge and trust. This will then go a long way to ensuring a reduced number of sensational headlines and will see a reduction of hyperbolic language, that can contribute to market manipulation and misinformation, with a switch that focuses on providing accurate information rather than generating clickbait.
@paulgrundytrf Well, that unfortunately doesnt propose a concrete plan to address biases already prevalent on mainstream journalism. And the fact that you didn't dare to touch on the topic of biases against crypto and established narratives of journalists is telling enough that this won't be even attempted and it's not seen as an important aspect of the education process.
Thanks for the clarification on the fact that this will only cover phase one though.
So for these reasons and due to the fact that the funding was increased last minute AND because the budget is lacking on details specially for "operational costs", "staff costs", "travel" (they carry a lot of weight on this proposal however) and even for the core points of the initiative our vote will remain NAY.
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