Our mission
Flatwater. Free Press.
Flatwater echoes the origins of our state’s name, a translation of the Oto or Omaha words for the Platte River. The Platte of course spans the state, providing sustenance and a travel route for this land’s first human inhabitants. Today it connects Scottsbluff to Omaha and hundreds of communities between. The word is all about Nebraska, all of Nebraska, and all of our state’s history.
Free references the First Amendment. Freedom of speech, freedom of the press, and the right to participate in democracy — we hold these values dear. Through journalism, we aim to hold power accountable and amplify diverse voices. Free also describes our free and open nature – anyone will be able to read our work or republish it, with no barriers.
Press is the word that the Constitution uses to assign journalists an important role in democracy. It defines our mission as one of public service. We’re here to tell stories with a purpose: Helping Nebraska realize the best version of itself.
Flatwater Free Press is a publication of the Nebraska Journalism Trust
Thank you
We started this with a small team and a big idea — that Nebraska deserves journalism built for everyday Nebraskans, owned by no one but the public. And with every new byline, every reader who chips in, every story that gets republished or sparks change, that idea gets a little more real.
If you’ve read our stories, shared them, donated or rooted for us, thank you. You’re the reason this exists. You’re the reason it’s getting better. You’re the reason we do what we do.
Matt Wynn
Executive Director, Nebraska Journalism Trust
What we cover
The Flatwater Free Press spends a lot of time chasing down things that matter to Nebraskans. We investigate. We explain. We ask questions that sometimes make people uncomfortable. We brag up Nebraskans doing great things and highlight untold stories of our place. And we try to make the state a little easier to understand.
STATEWIDE »
Statewide means what it sounds like — stories as relevant in Valentine as they are in Nebraska City. These are issues that touch all of us. Think: the environment, legislative policy, universities and more. Nebraska news »
HISTORICALLY EXCLUDED »
For decades, traditional media has overlooked, well, a lot of people. We set out to do the opposite. One fourth of our stories should focus on black people, brown people, immigrants and our native communities. Read more »
METRO »
We can’t cover a state while ignoring its two largest metros. We leave space to tell stories about people, businesses and institutions in the metropolitan areas. We include metro suburbs in this category. Omaha and Lincoln news »
GREATER NEBRASKA »
We want to tell the stories of all the communities outside our metros, too. Whether they be plain old good yarns or long-term investigations, we’re committing a major part of our content mix to doing journalism throughout the state. News from across Nebraska »
About our journalism
Read Executive Director Matt Wynn’s column that helped launch Flatwater Free Press
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Here’s what you can expect from Flatwater this election season
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Big news at Flatwater — and you’re invited to celebrate
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Flatwater’s next phase: We’re doubling down on investigative, climate and news serving Nebraska
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New at the Nebraska Journalism Trust: More directors, hires and Silicon Prairie Startup Week
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We’re headed to the Supreme Court to fight for the public’s right to know. Here’s why, and how you can tune in.
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Local officials make big decisions. Our newest program will ensure they get the attention they deserve.
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Extraordinary growth. Bigger impact. In 2023, the Nebraska Journalism Trust hit its stride.
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New reporters, new positions help ensure strong Nebraska journalism for the long haul