The first news outlet in America predates the creation of the nation by several decades.
In 1690, the first multi-page newspaper printed in what would become the United States made its debut. Publick Occurrences, Both Forreign and Domestick, lasted only one issue, due to colonial censors.
Another newspaper would not be printed in America for another 14 years.
But the spirit of a free press, as well as a free nation-in-the-making, was undaunted.
Shortly after the United States of America won its independence, the First Amendment to the Constitution guaranteed freedom of speech and expression.
And with them newspapers, pamphlets and magazines of all kinds continued to flourish.
As America celebrates its 25oth birthday, the media landscape is quite different.
Local news outlets that bolstered communities and kept citizens well-informed have been disappearing for other reasons.
But news revolutionaries devoted to reviving local news and who are passionate about their hometowns are on the march.
Hundreds of local, independent online news entrepreneurs have been popping up everywhere in recent years—including here, with East Cobb News.Â
Please help us keep local news free.
Earlier this week, I took part in a “Born to Run Local News” celebration featuring local news publishers. It was based in New Jersey—hence, the title—but many of us dialed in via Zoom, and took pride in what we’ve done.
We had plenty to feel good about, and shared stories of how we’re overcoming long odds to do what we love the most, and to serve our communities.
It was as inspiring as it was a sobering reminder of the obstacles we face, and a great way to lean into a milestone national holiday.
At East Cobb News, we’ll soon be celebrating our 9th anniversary—more about that next week—but for now, we’d like to ask readers to support us as we keep local news free and independent.
At East Cobb News, readers come first, and always will. Our vow when we launched on July 4, 2017, was to make the news free and accessible to everyone, and to keep it that way.
We’ve built a modest small business with local business advertising, but like other news outlets—including many that are much larger and older than we are—East Cobb News also relies on reader support to sustain our efforts.
We’ve been asking readers for some months now to provide voluntary financial support, and we appreciate those of you who have contributed. But we need more of you to help us as we continue our mission of giving you the local news that you love.
We consider ourselves local news revolutionaries here at East Cobb News, and we invite our readers to join us.
For the price of a cup of coffee.
For just a few dollars a month, your support will help sustain local journalism—right here in East Cobb.
You rely on us to stay informed and we depend on you to make our work possible.
Your donation is voluntary and the amount you pay is up to you, but here are some suggested amounts:
- $6/month or $60/year
- $12/month or $125/year
- $30/month or $300/year
- $50/month or $500/year
- Custom amount
- One-time donation
Your donation—continued or new—will help keep East Cobb News strong, free and independent for years to come. Thank you for your support! And long live local news!
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