The Colorado Independent was a nonprofit media organization, first reporting news via its online website that was started in July 2006, later revitalized again in September 2013 under new Colorado-based management.

"The goal is to make impact, to inspire action by moving readers on important issues with stories that provide missing context, unearth buried facts, and amplify unheard voices".

Because the site is a nonprofit funded solely by foundation grants and individual donations, it is not constrained by many of the forces that bridle big media.

Give us credit.” As part of the Independent’s educational mission, veteran journalists train young staffers and interns the basics of shoe-leather reporting.

In February 2014, the Independent had filed for an FCC low power FM radio construction permit, but it was cancelled (and subsequently expired).