As @TexasObserver demonstrates, crowdfunding could be a domain for journalists to validate through the Fediverse.
It could be a means of freeing them not only from Big Social, but also the private equity firms that have gutted local reporting for decades.
There's no reason journalists couldn't run their local state or town's Fediverse server (for example).
But again, you need a few more brave journalists willing to see the potential.
@atomicpoet @TexasObserver Totally agree Chris. I'd like to journalists having their own dedicated severs, specialized to their needs. Steve