Every move we’ve made at the Nebraska Journalism Trust has deliberately built for today while positioning for what comes next.
The launch of Flatwater Free Press. Our first hires. The acquisitions of Silicon Prairie News and Documenters. And throughout, killer scoops and well-told tales that highlighted the very best of Nebraska.
Today feels like another pivotal moment. I’m proud to announce that three new reporters are joining the Flatwater Free Press team. Meanwhile, a few familiar faces are stepping into new roles as we grow toward the organization we’ve always wanted to be.
Read my full update here before we publish it widely.
We’re sharing this early with donors like you, because your support helps make this growth possible.
Our vision has remained steady: a thriving news ecosystem that serves all of Nebraska — from metro centers to small towns — with clarity, relevance and impact.
With these hires, and a few more I hope to share early next year, we’re nearer the reality we had in mind as we sketched out this idea on a napkin years ago.
That idea only works, though, if every corner of this state has block-and-tackle journalism taking care of business. I’ll be the first to admit that the shrinking of the legacy media is happening far faster than I expected. As we keep growing, we’re watching carefully for what’s next. What’s missing. What we can help fix.
And for that, I’d love your advice. Reply to this email with your insights from your corner of Nebraska. What’s working in your news landscape? What isn’t? What could be added that would highlight the best of your place, or make it work better?
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.
Sincerely,
—Matt Wynn, Executive Director
