In 1975, the Poynter Institute began as the Modern Media Institute in St. Petersburg, Florida under the ownership of Nelson Poynter, a newspaper publisher. Poynter's vision was to create a school that would help working journalists improve their skills and benefit their communities. Today, the Poynter Institute is a non-profit organization owned by its readers through a unique co-operative structure, with over 1,500 co-owners from 33 countries. The Poynter Institute, headquartered in St. Petersburg, Florida, covers a wide range of topics related to journalism and media. Their focus includes reporting and editing, fact-checking, ethics and trust, technology and tools, business and work in journalism, local news, and education for journalists and students. Poynter provides analysis, commentary, and resources for journalists and the public on current media trends and issues. They also offer training programs and host events for journalists worldwide. **One interesting fact**: The Poynter Insitute's owners additionally own the Tampa Bay Times (formerly St. Petersburg Times), one of Florida's largest newspapers. This arrangement was designed by Nelson Poynter before his death in 1978 to ensure the newspaper's independence and quality journalism, while also supporting the institute's educational mission.