MADISON — Three nonprofit newsrooms have launched News414, a project that delivers news by text message and connects Milwaukee residents directly to reporters.
The project, which is funded with support from the Google News Initiative, is a collaboration between Wisconsin Watch, Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service and Outlier Media. In its announcement of the project, Wisconsin Watch said it uses “innovative technology and research techniques to deliver crucial information to residents, investigate neighborhoods’ most pressing issues and deliver accountability journalism to Milwaukee and the broader public.”
News414 focuses on food security, housing, health and safety, jobs and money, and mental health and domestic violence. It sends free, personalized data via text message to Milwaukee residents, and those wishing to try the service can text MILWAUKEE, MKE or NEWS414 to 73224.
Leading the News414 project are Jeff Roman as project manager and Jimmy Gutierrez as engagement manager. Roman is an organizer, consultant and community strategist with a track record serving diverse groups of Milwaukee residents. Gutierrez is a veteran public affairs journalist and former Milwaukee firefighter.
