Former DCist staff launch local news site for Washington
A group of D.C. journalists who worked at DCist, a local news site that was abruptly shuttered by NPR affiliate WAMU earlier this year, are launching their own nonprofit devoted to covering community news of Washington, reports The Washington Post.
According to The Post: “They are calling it the 51st — a nod to the District of Columbia’s lack of statehood — and say it will deliver hyperlocal Washington news relevant to District residents.
“Initially, their coverage will focus on topics such as the cost of living in D.C. and how to navigate city services, as well as on accountability reporting.
“The idea for the site first arose days after the unexpected closure of DCist, a beloved local news site that had been acquired by WAMU six years ago. When former staff gathered at a downtown restaurant to commiserate, the wake quickly turned into a business-development strategy session.”
“Worker-run newsroom: When?” Maddie Poore asked her old co-workers that night, only half-joking. “When are we going to do this? We need this as a city.”
The staff includes Poore, Natalie Delgadillo, Abigail Higgins, Teresa Frontado, Colleen Grablick and Eric Falquero.
More here.
