From Dreams to Reality: The Journey of Local Journalism in Virginia Beach

About a decade ago, during a family gathering in Pungo, I made a light-hearted comment that sparked a significant change in my life. I jokingly suggested that starting a community newspaper would be a great idea. Surprisingly, instead of laughter, I received encouragement from my loved ones. This moment was pivotal in the inception of The Independent News, a testament to the value of local journalism that has sustained us through thick and thin.

Finding Home in Virginia Beach

When my family and I relocated to Virginia Beach, it was primarily for the schools. I, however, wasn’t as thrilled about the move. As a native Rhode Islander, the new commute felt daunting, and I resisted the change. But little did I know, this city would capture my heart.

• Pungo: A hidden gem that I fell in love with.
• Back Bay: Our decision to embrace country living by purchasing a home here.
• Rediscovering Sports Radio: An unexpected source of inspiration during my drives.

The Birth of a Newspaper

In 2015, fueled by a passion for journalism and a dash of humor, I launched The Princess Anne Independent News. The acronym PAIN made me chuckle, and it also resonated with the challenges of starting a new venture. Transitioning from teaching to journalism, I was dedicated to this small but impactful paper.

Yet, it was my commitment to my community that truly propelled me forward. By vocalizing my aspirations to start a newspaper, I created a promise to myself and those I cherish. It’s often in those moments of accountability that we find the strength to persevere.

Challenges on the Horizon

Despite our dedication, the road has not been easy. We faced numerous hurdles, including the COVID-19 pandemic and the evolving landscape of local media. My original intention was to focus on rural communities, but as the situation changed, so did our mission.

The decline of The Virginian-Pilot and other local publications left a void. What was once a robust team of journalists has dwindled to a single reporter for Virginia Beach, straining our ability to cover important local news effectively.

A Local Crisis in Journalism

The local news ecosystem is in dire straits:

• The Virginian-Pilot: Continues to diminish without signs of recovery.
• Virginia Beach Sun: Once a staple, now a shadow of its former self.
• Southside Daily: A fleeting presence that came and went.
• WHRO: While it has backing, its approach often duplicates existing coverage instead of filling gaps.

Virginia Beach deserves a dedicated news organization that focuses on nonpartisan, professional journalism. It needs a committed team of journalists who can provide comprehensive coverage of public affairs.

The Vision Ahead

As I look to the future, I am determined to create a news organization that serves the needs of our community. While I have no guarantees of success, I’m actively engaging with community members to explore possibilities.

I love and respect Virginia Beach and its people, and I believe in the importance of telling our stories with integrity and quality. I invite you to hold me accountable to this vision.

What do you think?

• How important is local journalism for community engagement?
• What are your thoughts on the decline of traditional newspapers?
• Should local governments invest in community journalism?
• Can a community newspaper survive in today’s digital age?
• What role do you think social media plays in local news coverage?

Let’s start a conversation and explore these pressing issues together!