The North Carolina Press Association recently admitted Carolina Public Press into its membership. It is the first online nonprofit news service in Western North Carolina to be accepted.
Beth Grace, executive director of the North Carolina Press Association says the organization is “delighted” to welcome Carolina Public Press into its membership.
“An incisive, beautifully written web-based publication like this is exactly why NCPA created our new online membership just a year ago,” she said, “Good journalism takes many forms, and this sort of partnership helps NCPA support the highest standards of good reporting and paves the way for the reading public to access great journalism – wherever it appears.”
The North Carolina Press Association is a 195-member newspaper advocacy organization for North Carolina newspapers. Carolina Public Press, which was launched in March 2011, has been recognized by media organizations statewide for its in-depth and investigative reporting about Western North Carolina.
The website focuses on public interest reporting and obtaining government records, and does not accept traditional advertising or government funding.
“We believe that public interest reporting is critical to an informed, engaged electorate and to ensuring government accountability,” said Angie Newsome, executive director and editor.
Carolina Public Press also holds trainings for journalists, students, and citizens on gaining access to public records.
Recently, the website formed an Asheville-area media coalition to sue the city of Asheville and the Buncombe Count District Attorney’s Office for the release of the police department’s evidence-room audit.
“We formed Carolina Public Press to offer the region a fresh and vibrant source of in-depth and investigative news and training on key journalism topics, including accessing public information and open government,” Newsome said.
Since its formation the Carolina Public Press, which covers the 18 westernmost counties of the state, has posted more than 600 news stories and investigative reports, photo essays, data, public records and more to its free online news website.
“We appreciate that the N.C. Press Association recognizes the value and importance of our news and organization,” said Allen Shaklan, president of the Carolina Public Press board of directors. “We look forward to continuing to build our network with the association’s membership and continuing to show that in-depth, investigative reporting is a vital service to the citizens of Western North Carolina.”
Kendal (Gapinski) Kloiber 