Mission
Tyee Solutions Society (TSS) produces catalytic, solutions-oriented journalism on social, economic, and environmental issues of broad concern to Canadians.
Catalytic journalism is solutions-oriented reporting that uses traditional investigative techniques to empower citizens with the information needed to seize opportunities for positive change. TSS reporting examines and explains the facts, and identifies achievable solutions to issues impacting the lives of Canadians.
The Need
A thriving democracy depends on citizens’ access to credible information, the thorough examination of issues, and the exploration of new ideas. But, due to media consolidation and slumping revenue, newsrooms across North America have and continue to close at an alarming rate. It is more critical than ever to shine a light on issues challenging society but often overlooked by mainstream media, and illuminate and encourage innovative solutions.
Approach
Find answers to pressing issues
TSS reporting is organized around ‘Solution Hubs.’ Similar to a newspaper beat, each “hub” features in-depth, solutions-oriented reporting on specific subject areas such as carbon shift, education and food. Each hub is comprised of reporters that continuously cultivate their expertise and connections to field experts, decision-makers, and sources in order to provide well-informed coverage and effectively engage and mobilize citizens to take action around viable solutions.
Get the word out
TSS works outside traditional media boundaries. We maximize the impact of our reporting by distributing it broadly through a wide-range of media partners so citizens can access our news through a variety of formats including print, online, tv or radio. Our reporting is provided free of charge to media partners. All reporting is published by our guaranteed media partner, The Tyee, which receives 150-200,000 unique visitors per month.
Our reporting is also strategically distributed to influentials, decision-makers, and individuals working on the ground to achieve solutions.
Foster the sustainability of public interest journalism
Urgency breeds innovation. In response to the collapse of traditional media, TSS has created a non-profit journalism organization that is not be solely dependent on ad sales and able to access a range of funding prospects. TSS will continue to explore new and innovative media business models and revenue opportunities. TSS also promotes the sustainability of public interest journalism by cultivating the expertise of emerging journalists through training opportunities, resources and professional support.
Funding
TSS reporting is funded by philanthropic contributions from private and community foundations, local corporations, unions and individuals. All funders sign releases guaranteeing TSS full editorial autonomy. Likewise, funders do not formally endorse any of the particular findings of TSS’ work. Click here for a list of funders to-date.
Partnerships
If you are interested in republishing our stories or would like to discuss a media partnership, please contact Coordinating Editor Chris Wood at cwood(at)tyeesolutions.org.
If you are interested in public engagement or event partnership opportunities, please contact Carra Simpson, Grants Administrator and Project Manager, at csimpson@tyeesolutions.org.