West View Media, a nonprofit news organization dedicated to Salt Lake City's westside, serves the diverse communities of the area through its flagship quarterly publication, The West View. Founded in 2011, the organization aims to combat negative stereotypes and increase civic participation among residents in neighborhoods such as Fairpark, Glendale, and Rose Park.
Community Distribution and Reach
The West View serves as a full-color quarterly newspaper that is mailed free of charge to more than 22,000 homes and businesses. The distribution reaches several specific neighborhoods, including Fairpark, Glendale, Rose Park, Westpointe, Jordan Meadows, and Poplar Grove. Additionally, the organization hand-distributes 2,000 copies to local businesses and various public spaces throughout the area.
Mission and Community Engagement
The organization was established to provide an authentic look into a region of Salt Lake City that has historically been misrepresented or undervalued by local government entities and mainstream media. West View Media seeks to achieve this by employing a small professional staff and by encouraging local residents who live and work in West Salt Lake City to share their own stories through the West View Community Newsroom.
Organizational Structure and Funding
West View Media operates as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. According to its organizational profile, its revenue is supported by a variety of sources, including grants, individual donations, reader revenue via audience support, and investment from philanthropic organizations. The organization maintains an independent status and is required to file an IRS Form 990-N.
Editorial Ethics and Standards
The news organization's editorial standards are guided by the Society of Professional Journalists Code of Ethics. The organization's governing policies mandate that all editorial content follows journalism's best practices, including seeking truth and reporting it in an accurate and fair manner. These policies emphasize minimizing harm, acting independently, and maintaining accountability through transparency and prompt corrections.
Conflict of Interest Policies
To ensure professional integrity, West View Media requires personal disclosure from all employees and contributors regarding potential conflicts of interest. This includes notifying editors if a staff member is working on a matter involving a personal connection, such as family, friends, or organizations to which they belong. If a conflict is deemed potential, the story may be reassigned or the conflict must be fully disclosed at the time of publication.
Commitment to Diversity
The organization's commitment to diversity, inclusion, and equity is a core component of its mission. West View Media aims to incorporate these values into its content by listening to diverse voices and providing opportunities, training, and support for employees and contributors from diverse backgrounds. This approach is intended to help foster and preserve a culture of inclusion within the newsroom and the community it serves.
Content and Digital Presence
The media outlet utilizes various digital platforms to reach its audience, including its official website, social media platforms, and YouTube. Its content covers a wide range of themes, including education, environment, politics, sports, lifestyle, health and well-being, entertainment and culture, law and crime, entrepreneurship, and economy and finance.
