States Newsroom, the nationwide network of state-based nonprofit news organizations, on Tuesday announced the launch of the Nebraska Examiner, its 26th outlet providing free, high-quality, nonpartisan journalism in its served markets.
With the Nebraska Examiner, States Newsroom now provides state news coverage to over half the nation. The Nebraska outlet will be led by Omaha Press Club Hall of Famer Cate Folsom and focus on covering state government and politics for Nebraska’s residents.
Folsom brings more than 40 years of experience as a reporter and editor, having spent the bulk of those years at the Omaha World-Herald. Her previous reporting efforts led to the resignations of state officials and reforms in state law.
“We intend to provide a hard-hitting flow of daily news, scoops and reports that will keep Nebraskans informed and help them to better understand their state and communities,” Folsom said. “Our staff of four has worked in Nebraska journalism for a combined 137 years. Our deep experience and strong skills will benefit our readers moving forward.”
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State Newsroom is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit launched in 2019. It now has more than 95 reporters. It is funded by the contributions of readers and philanthropists and doesn’t accept ads.
In December, States Newsroom announced plans to add three additional newsrooms, including Nebraska. The others are Alaska and Arkansas.
“By nearly every metric, local journalism is struggling, and more important stories are going unreported or under-reported in state capitals across the country,” Chris Fitzsimon, States Newsroom director-publisher, said. He said his organization is filling the void.
“We are using a new model of nonprofit journalism at the state level to ensure that everyone has access to high-quality, nonpartisan reporting on the most pressing issues affecting them and their communities," Fitzsimon said. "We’re seeking journalists who are just as passionate as we are about delivering first-rate state government and policy reporting.”
Other journalists joining the Nebraska Examiner’s staff include:
The launch of the Nebraska Examiner comes shortly after States Newsroom announced plans to expand its footprint with independent newsrooms in roughly 40 states. Last month, States Newsroom launched News from the States, a comprehensive source for statehouse news across the country.
Other States Newsroom affiliates and partners are:
Arizona Mirror
Colorado Newsline
Florida Phoenix
Georgia Recorder
Idaho Capital Sun
Iowa Capital Dispatch
Kansas Reflector
Louisiana Illuminator
Maine Beacon
Maryland Matters
Michigan Advance
Minnesota Reformer
Missouri Independent
Daily Montanan
Nevada Current
New Hampshire Bulletin
New Jersey Monitor
Source New Mexico
NC Policy Watch
Ohio Capital Journal
Oregon Capital Chronicle
Pennsylvania Capital-Star
Tennessee Lookout
Virginia Mercury
Wisconsin Examiner
These local newspapers have gone broke and must go "non-profit" because even the locals don't buy their garbage anymore. Now they only have two options: have a left-wing billionaire buy them (WAPO, TIME, LA Times, etc.) or claim "non-profit" status and let wealthy coastal elites keep them afloat through tax-deductible donations. Or, clamor to the government to subsidize them because their propaganda is a "public service."
Local news has failed because they don't represent the local population. For example, Of the 100 largest papers in the country, only 2 endorsed Trump in 2016. Yet, he won the election with 62 million+ votes. They should be allowed to die out because they aren't any different than WAPO or NYT, no matter how much they claim to be local do-gooders.
It's a shame. Local journalism doesn't exist anymore. These fraudsters are just extensions of wealthy coastal elites who have an interest in making sure their army of propagandists can keep pushing their garbage in the middle of the country.