The Washington News Council Announces a $225,000 Gift from Bill and Melinda Gates

SEATTLE -- The Washington News Council has received a $225,000 grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

"This generous grant gives the Council great credibility and financial stability," said Council President R.Y. Woodhouse, former head of the Urban League of Metropolitan Seattle.

"It sends a message to the media and public statewide that the Council is here for the long term," added Vice President Herb Robinson, former Seattle Times editorial-page editor.

The News Council (www.wanewscouncil.org) is an independent forum for media fairness. Its mission is to help maintain public trust and confidence in the print, broadcast and online news media by promoting accuracy, balance and fairness.

The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation grant will be given over a three-year period, while the Council continues to diversify its funding and expand its activities statewide.

The News Council also recently received a $5,000 grant from the Medina Foundation, to be used for the purchase of new computers and other office equipment.

In another significant development, Seattle Mayor Paul Schell and King County Executive Ron Sims signed a letter expressing their "strong personal endorsements" of the Washington News Council. On a recent trip to Minnesota, Schell and Sims learned first-hand about the Minnesota News Council, which they described as "greatly beneficial to both citizens and journalists." Schell and Sims concluded, "We believe that the Washington News Council can have similar benefits in this state."

The News Council's plans for the next few months include a series of mock student news council hearings on college campuses statewide; more public forums on important media-related issues; and a "Gridiron-style" dinner to pay tribute to journalists and politicians.

For details, contact: John Hamer, executive director of the Washington News Council.