Posted by Bill Osborne
Mary Margaret White, CEO of “Mississippi Today”, a digital news outlet for Mississippi, spoke to the Rotary Club of North Jackson at the Club’s January 12 meeting. White discussed the changes in the print journalism market due to the sharp decline in ad revenues and a decline in print subscribers as consumers have begun to rely increasingly on digital media. “Mississippi Today” was created to fill the void in the state’s news outlets created by that decline. She pointed out that “Mississippi Today” is a 501(c) (3) nonprofit and that it relies on donations both from citizens and several large philanthropic foundations.

To quote from “Mississippi Today”: “We believe that an informed Mississippi is a better Mississippi. We center readers in everything we do, informing–and engaging–Mississippians through reporting, podcasts, events, and online communities.

Founded in 2016 as the state’s first nonprofit, nonpartisan newsroom, “Mississippi Today’s” roots in Capitol coverage have grown to encompass a myriad of beats beyond politics and policy, including education, public health, justice, environment, equity, and, yes sports. “Mississippi Today” is now one of the largest newsrooms in Mississippi, proving that free, nonpartisan news is the antidote to apathy and an essential key to government accountability.”

White said that “Mississippi Today” has an annual budget of $2 million with the bulk of the expenses being for its staff of well-recognized, seasoned reporters and editors.

We Thank White for her presentation to our club and for her work to inform Mississippians. She is shown in the following file photo from Mississippi Today’s website: