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Dec 23, 2010

Center partnership with APM's Public Insight Network a "resounding success" so far

When the Center for Public Integrity partnered with American Public Media's Public Insight Network (PIN) in November, "we weren’t quite sure what to expect," writes Cole Goins, the center's deputy web editor, "but the initial results in just two months have been tremendous." The PIN comprises more than 90,000 participating "citizen sources" that have signed up to help reporters nationwide.

So far, the center has reached out to the sources for two stories: looking for persons living near coal power plants, and others whose credit card use has changed over the past year. In all, reporters received about 230 responses offering valuable information and generating several stories.

"Our first use of the network turned out to be a resounding success," Goins notes.

WQLN sues Erie County gaming agency to be eligible for funds

WQLN Public Media in Erie, Pa., filed suit Wednesday (Dec. 22) against the Erie County Gaming Revenue Authority in an effort to receive proceeds from the Presque Isle Downs and Casino. The nonprofit is seeking to be named a "dedicated regional asset," which is required to be eligible for the funds. The suit claims that WQLN meets the criteria established by the authority, which includes county assets "that have a strong history of service to the community, a large operating budget and a regional audience base."