Though long associated with non-profit journalism in North America, there is little tradition of philanthropy in UK journalism. However, we believe that recognition of public interest journalism as charitable can be achieved through more constructive interpretations of the existing law. We have previously proposed that certain forms of non-political and non-profit public interest journalism provides substantial benefits to the general public that are consistent with charitable status and satisfy the public benefit requirement in law.

We have identified a clear overlap between the principles of public interest journalism and the public benefit requirement of charity law, which relates to the purpose and function of qualifying journalism. We have explored a new, charitable model for public benefit journalism which is available to appropriate applicants. Their success will depend upon the purpose for which they are established, evidence that their activities will achieve the intended beneficial outcomes, and rigorous constitutional and operational oversight to ensure that the necessary public benefit criteria are implemented.