Share your story with the news
Your voice matters. Learn how to connect with local reporters and bring important community issues to light. No need to be an expert, just share what's happening and why it matters.
What to tell a local reporter
When you contact a local reporter, focus on explaining what is happening, where it is happening, why local people should care, and what questions have not been answered. You do not need to be an activist, expert, or professional writer. A good news tip can simply say: this is happening here, this is why it matters, and I think someone should look into it.
Find the right news outlet
Start with the newspaper, online news site, radio newsroom, or local television station that regularly covers the town or county where the issue is happening. For broader issues, consider regional Appalachian news organizations or reporters who cover specific topics such as environment, utilities, local government, development, history, or community affairs. The goal is to find the reporter or news desk best suited to your specific local concern.
The Impact of Your Message
The best outcome is that a local issue becomes visible before important decisions are made without meaningful public awareness. We hope reporting helps neighbors understand what is happening, ask better questions, attend public meetings, request records, and participate in decisions affecting their communities. The goal is not outrage for the sake of outrage, but informed public attention, accountability, and empowering people with enough information to decide what their own next step should be.