This paper investigates 20 digital native news arrangements in Santa Catarina. The exploratory research aims to find elements on how these arrangements perceive themselves as innovative or not, and how this is strained by the ways in which these initiatives are financed. Results show that part of the researched arrangements can be considered innovative as they are settled down in news deserts and, therefore, meet an information shortage for local populations. On the other hand, economic weaknesses can limit and jeopardize the useful life of these organizations.