Opinion: Stories Worth Telling, Coverage Worth Supporting
Location: FOX & OLIVE {A portion of proceeds will support Davidson Local}
By Antionette Kerr/Publisher
Opinion
At Davidson Local, we’ve learned that there’s no shortage of stories in our community — only a shortage of funding to support independent local journalism. For too long, the old saying ruled the news cycle: “If it bleeds, it leads.” We’re working to change that.
Yes, we still run law enforcement press releases and cover the content that doesn’t always make you smile — but there is so much more. Investigative pieces and government reporting, led by veteran journalist Sharon Myers, are very much alive and well. Thanks to Atalia Cardenas, more of our stories now appear in Spanish, broadening who we reach. And if you’ve seen Thomas Martin’s work, you know he’s giving us fresh eyes on community features, sports, and photography that make people stop scrolling and pay attention. Many of you have told us you value the range of stories we cover and our commitment to staying balanced. Unless it says Opinion, we stick to our mantra: we report, you decide.
Along the way, we’ve made both friends and fans — and a few folks who fuss at us from time to time (we just ask that you keep it clean and skip the curse words). That kind of mix usually means we’re doing our jobs right.
But here’s what we’ve discovered: with the right support, people who never thought of themselves as “writers” rise to the occasion. Thanks to a handful of confident contributors, local businesses, and two grants, we’ve proven there’s a need — and that community-backed reporting works.
Ways You Can Support
Become a Monthly Community Journalism Champion. The current rate is $1,000 per month, and it covers what grants and advertising don’t. Champions make sure the work continues, especially the stories that otherwise might go untold.
Consistent Monthly Advertising. Not one of us is a full-time reporter. Each of us has other work that helps fund our passion for Davidson Local. Advertising keeps the lights on and the bylines flowing. Email ak@davidsonlocal.com for more information.
Magazine Advertisers. Our third magazine is coming SOON, and we envision it as a keepsake for the community. We’re actively seeking advertisers by Oct. 15th to make it happen.
Story Tips & Content. We listen. When I spoke at the Lexington Kiwanis Club, folks asked us to cover more sports. Thomas answered the call by reviving The Huddle, with live video on social media. We’ve already seen readership jump as much as 200%. But we want to cover more of Davidson County, not just what we happen to hear through Lexington ties. You can help by sending tips, sharing content, and spreading the word. Email info@davidsonlocal.com with tips.
Community Support. Not everyone can pay consistently, and we understand that. But when you can give — through advertising, sponsorships, or one-time support — you help keep free, accessible news alive in Davidson County.
We hear it all the time in the grocery store or walking down Main Street: “Thank you for what you’re doing.” We appreciate it — but we also know there are even more powerful stories waiting to be told.
And we’ll keep asking for your help, because local news isn’t free. It’s always a cost to someone, somewhere. With your support stories that matter most to Davidson County can keep being told.
