Showcasing Local Stories Across the State
In alignment with the Virginia Press Association’s strategic goals, the Virginia Local News Project sought to:
- Elevate the stature of local newspapers within their communities and across the state.
- Build trust in local journalism.
- Strengthen newspapers’ role in engaging their communities.
- Highlight the value newspapers provide as a cornerstone of democracy.
Introducing Virginia News Reader
To support these goals, we launched the Virginia News Reader, a bi-weekly newsletter and companion website that curates exceptional stories from local publications across Virginia.
What You’ll Find in the Virginia News Reader:
- Local stories from every corner of the state.
- In-depth reporting on issues that matter to local communities.
- Features on people and events that inspire and inform.
- Context-rich journalism on issues impacting your daily life.
Explore with the Virginia News Reader Showcase
A new feature on our website, the Virginia News Reader Showcase, includes:
- Interactive State Map: Explore a map of Virginia, pinned and labeled with news publications, organized by region.
- Convenient Access: Discover recent stories from across the state, all in one place.
Key Impact
- News Showcase: +1954 unique page views and 5,814 new visits
- VNR Newsletter: 27.3% open rate and 4,700+ subscribers
This initiative celebrates the essential role of local newspapers in informing, engaging, and connecting communities throughout Virginia.