October 8, 2024
Columbus, OH – Signal Ohio – a leading nonpartisan, nonprofit news organization, dedicated to serving Ohio communities through high quality local news and information – is excited to announce the launch of the Signal Ohio news bureau, dedicated to covering issues and policies at the Ohio Statehouse and how they affect all Ohioans. The Columbus expansion marks Signal’s third location, joining Cleveland and Akron and the anticipated launch of Cincinnati. The fastest-growing nonprofit news initiative in the nation, Signal Ohio is also the largest Black-led nonprofit local news organization in the country.
“Signal Statewide isn’t just about delivering news; it’s about revitalizing the civic life of our state, one story at a time. Signal is grateful for the opportunity to serve Ohioans by reporting from Columbus where action that impacts Ohioans happens,” said Rita McNeil Danish, CEO of Signal Ohio. “We’ve seen firsthand how the decline of local news and information leads to decreased community engagement and a disconnect between residents and their government. With Signal Statewide, we’re not just filling a gap in news coverage; we’re rekindling civic participation across Ohio.”
“Signal Statewide will serve as a vital bridge between the complexities of state politics and the daily lives of our residents,” said Signal Ohio Board Chair Doug Ulman. “This initiative represents our commitment to accessible, nonpartisan reporting that empowers readers across the Buckeye State. With Signal Statewide, we’re not just delivering news; we’re fostering a more informed, engaged, and united Ohio.”
The goal of launching the Statehouse Bureau is to distribute unbiased news and information available to all 88 counties in Ohio. In addition to a freely accessible website, which will launch in the coming months, Signal will distribute news content for free to outlets across the state. More than half of Ohio’s 88 counties have just one or zero news outlets, many of which no longer have the ability to cover state government. Signal has already developed partnerships including with Public News Service, which will distribute Signal-generated news across their radio station network in Ohio.
Signal Statewide staff
Mark Naymik, who previously served as Signal Cleveland’s Managing Editor for News and is a long-time political reporter, will now lead the team. Veteran Ohio statehouse reporter Andrew Tobias, an award-winning journalist, will anchor the bureau’s coverage in Columbus. And, thanks to a strong partnership with Open Campus – a nonprofit news organization dedicated to investigating and elevating higher education – Higher Education reporter Amy Morona will also be joining the team, and broaden her coverage to include state-wide educational issues.
Accessing the State Signals Newsletter
This week Signal Statewide will launch a new weekly newsletter State Signals, that is free for all and available for sign up here. Our journalists will:
- Provide analysis of and context for complex policy issues
- Shed light on the activities of government officials and agencies to ensure they are acting in the best interests of the public
- Activate residents to participate in the democratic process by creating opportunities for feedback with our audience and responding to their questions.
- Give reports on legislative proceedings, policy debates, and governmental actions – helping Ohio residents understand the structure and function of their state government
Signal Ohio is governed by an esteemed group of board members that includes Doug Ulman (Chairman), Dale Anglin, Henry J. Gomez, Delores Hargrove-Young, Michael Ouimette, and Debra Adams Simmons.
About Signal Ohio
Signal Ohio is a network of independent, community-led, nonprofit newsrooms supported by a coalition of Ohio organizations, community leaders and the American Journalism Project. It’s one of the largest local nonprofit news startups in the country, with newsrooms in Cleveland and Akron, one upcoming in Cincinnati, and the Statehouse Bureau. It receives support from a broad coalition of local and national philanthropies, organizations, and individuals for its mission to ensure every resident of Ohio has the local news and information they need. Learn more at SignalOhio.org and read our news at SignalCleveland.org and SignalAkron.org.
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