We had the good fortune of connecting with Nick Toso and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Nick, how does your business help the community?
Rolli contributes to the community and the world by addressing critical challenges in journalism and public discourse, particularly in the face of misinformation and the evolving media landscape. Here’s how it makes a positive impact:

Empowering Journalists with Resources: Rolli’s “Newsroom as a Service®” platform provides journalists with AI newsgathering resources and a database of vetted experts and organizations. This empowers journalists, especially in a time when newsrooms are shrinking and resources are becoming scarcer, enabling them to do their jobs more efficiently and contribute to more accurate and sustainable journalism​​.

Combating Misinformation: Rolli’s Information Tracer (built in collaboration with the International Center for Journalists) focuses on empowering journalists to combat misinformation on social media with cutting-edge social media anomaly detection tools. Given the pervasive issue of misinformation, which threatens public trust, informed decision-making, and the fabric of democratic societies, Rolli’s initiative is crucial for maintaining the integrity of public discourse​​.

Supporting Diverse and Equitable Representation: Rolli emphasizes diversity and equitable representation in media, working with a wide range of journalists and experts, including those from under-represented communities. This fosters a more inclusive media environment where diverse voices and perspectives can be heard, contributing to a richer and more balanced public discourse​​.

Enhancing Quality of News Reporting: By facilitating access to credible sources and fostering equitable representation in media, Rolli enhances the quality of news reporting. This is crucial in an era marked by rapid misinformation and the need for factual, impactful journalism​​.

Fostering a Collaborative Ecosystem: Rolli creates a two-sided marketplace that connects journalists with experts, think tanks, NGOs, and the private sector, fostering a collaborative ecosystem. This collaboration not only enhances the quality of news content but also supports informed public discourse and decision-making​​.

Advancing Technological Solutions Against Misinformation: Through Rolli Information Tracer, the initiative advances technological solutions to detect and analyze misinformation campaigns effectively. This proactive approach is essential for tackling misinformation at its source and supporting the fundamental principles of ethical journalism​​.

In essence, Rolli’s contributions are multi-faceted, ranging from enhancing journalistic resources and combating misinformation to promoting diversity and fostering collaboration. Through its innovative platform and initiatives, Rolli plays a vital role in supporting a more informed, equitable, and truthful public discourse, which is foundational to the health and sustainability of democratic societies.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My career, prior to founding Rolli, was deeply rooted in journalism, where I served as the Bureau Chief and Senior Producer for CNN en Español in Washington D.C. This role was not just a job but a mission to ensure that diverse voices and expertise were represented in news discourse, thereby enriching public understanding and dialogue. My journey in the media industry was shaped by a commitment to diversity, factual reporting, and innovation in the face of digital transformation challenges.

Transitioning from a prominent position in a leading news organization to entrepreneurship was driven by a recognition of the evolving needs in journalism and communication. The digital era has ushered in both opportunities and challenges for the media industry, including the dilution of factual accuracy due to the rapid spread of misinformation and the decline of traditional newsroom resources. Witnessing these changes firsthand sparked a determination to create a solution that addresses these pivotal issues.

The path to establishing Rolli was far from easy. It involved navigating the complexities of technology development, securing funding, and building a platform that accurately meets the needs of journalists and experts alike. The challenges were manifold, from ensuring the technological robustness of our platform to gaining the trust and participation of the journalism and expert communities. Overcoming these hurdles required persistence, a willingness to learn and adapt, and an unwavering belief in the mission of Rolli.

Several lessons have emerged from this journey. First, the importance of resilience and adaptability in the face of challenges cannot be overstated. The media landscape is continuously evolving, and staying relevant means being ready to pivot and embrace innovation. Second, the power of collaboration and community has been a constant source of strength and inspiration. Rolli’s success is not just a reflection of my efforts or those of our immediate team but is also attributable to the support, feedback, and engagement of a broad network of journalists, experts, and partners who share our vision.

What sets me apart is perhaps my dual perspective on the media industry, having experienced it both as a journalist within a leading news organization and as an entrepreneur aiming to innovate how journalism is practiced in the digital age. This unique vantage point has informed Rolli’s development, ensuring that it serves the practical needs of journalists while also addressing broader industry challenges.

I am most proud of how Rolli has become a tool for empowering journalists, enhancing the quality of news reporting, and contributing to a more informed society. Looking ahead, I am excited about the potential of Rolli to continue evolving, leveraging emerging technologies to further support factual journalism and combat misinformation.

What I want the world to know about our brand and story is that Rolli is more than just a platform; it’s a commitment to upholding the integrity of journalism and ensuring that every journalist has access to the resources, experts, and tools they need to tell accurate, impactful stories. My journey reflects a belief that with innovation, collaboration, and dedication, we can overcome the challenges facing journalism today and strengthen our societal discourse for the better.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Day 1: Exploring Downtown LA Morning: Start with a visit to Griffith Observatory for breathtaking views of the city and a hike in Griffith Park.
Lunch: Enjoy outdoor dining at Grand Central Market, offering a variety of local cuisines and flavors.
Afternoon: Walk through the Arts District, exploring street art, galleries, and unique shops.
Evening: Catch a sunset at the iconic Santa Monica Pier, followed by dinner at a beachfront restaurant.

Day 2: Hollywood and Culture
Morning: Hike the Runyon Canyon Park for another perspective of LA.
Lunch: Eat at a healthy- café in West Hollywood
Afternoon: Explore the Hollywood Walk of Fame and the TCL Chinese Theatre.
Evening: Visit an outdoor venue for a live performance or a movie screening, embracing LA’s entertainment culture.

Day 3: Science and Technology
Day: Spend the day at the California Science Center, featuring hands-on exhibits and the Space Shuttle Endeavour.
Evening: Dine in the vibrant area of Koreatown, experiencing some of the best Korean BBQ in the city.

Day 4: Surf’s Up
Morning to Afternoon: Take a surfing lesson at Venice Beach, enjoying the iconic boardwalk, muscle beach, and skateboard parks.
Late Afternoon: Relax at the Venice Canals, a picturesque and quieter spot.
Evening: Explore the culinary scene of Abbot Kinney Boulevard, offering a range of outdoor dining options.

Day 5: Nature and Adventure
Day: Embark on a day trip to the Channel Islands National Park for kayaking, snorkeling, and hiking, experiencing unique wildlife and landscapes.
Evening: Return to LA for a casual dinner at a rooftop restaurant with panoramic city views.

Day 6: Cultural Immersion
Morning: Visit the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA), enjoying its outdoor installations and sculptures.
Afternoon: Explore The Getty Center, set in a stunning garden and offering impressive art collections and views.
Evening: Attend an outdoor concert at the Hollywood Bowl, experiencing LA’s vibrant music scene.

Day 7: Relax and Reflect
Morning: Start with a leisurely brunch at a café in Malibu overlooking the ocean.
Day: Spend a relaxing day at Zuma Beach, reflecting on the week’s adventures.
Evening: Conclude the trip with a farewell dinner at a restaurant offering dishes made with local ingredients.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Reflecting on the journey of Rolli, I am compelled to extend my deepest gratitude and recognition to those who have been pivotal in transforming our vision into reality. This shoutout is dedicated to the myriad of supporters, mentors, collaborators, and visionaries who have played an integral role in our story.

Firstly, I must acknowledge the relentless dedication and expertise of my co-founder, Catalina Villegas. Her profound insights into the media landscape, drawn from her rich background across networks like CNN, CBS, NBC, and Univision, have been invaluable. Catalina’s passion for journalism and mentorship has not only shaped Rolli’s direction but has also inspired our team to strive for excellence.

Our journey would not have been possible without the support of the Glen Nelson Center and the American Public Media Group. Their early-stage investment in Rolli through the Horizon Fund has been a testament to their faith in our mission. This strategic partnership is more than financial support; it’s a shared commitment to revitalizing and reimagining local news for the public good.

A special shoutout goes to the entire Rolli team—our developers, designers, advisors, and every member who has worked tirelessly behind the scenes. Your dedication, creativity, and hard work have been the backbone of Rolli’s success.

I must also express my gratitude to the journalism and academic communities that have embraced Rolli. Your feedback, collaboration, and trust have been instrumental in refining our platform and expanding its impact. Special recognition goes to organizations like The Pew Research Center and our network of universities, think tanks, and NGOs for their collaboration and support.

Lastly, I want to thank the journalists and experts who use Rolli every day. Your commitment to factual, impactful reporting and your trust in our platform motivate us to keep innovating and improving.

This shoutout is a humble acknowledgment of the collective effort and support that have propelled Rolli forward. It’s a reminder that our journey is a shared one, driven by the belief that together, we can empower journalism, combat misinformation, and contribute to a well-informed society. Here’s to continuing this remarkable journey together, with gratitude and anticipation for what we will achieve next.

Website: https://rolli.ai

Instagram: Instagram.com/rolliapp

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/rolli/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/RolliApp

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RolliApp/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@rolliapp

Image Credits
Nick Toso

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