Mississippi Today: Strengthening Local Journalism in the Deep South
In an era where local news coverage is frequently in decline, Mississippi Today stands as a critical pillar of accountability and information. Based in Jackson, Mississippi, this nonprofit online newsroom was established to fill the void in state-level reporting, ensuring that citizens have access to high-quality, nonpartisan journalism.
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The Origins and Mission of Mississippi Today
Launched in May 2016, Mississippi Today was founded by former NBC chairman Andrew Lack, along with former Netscape president Jim Barksdale and his wife, Donna. The organization was created specifically to combat the shrinking landscape of local news within the state.
From its inception, the newsroom focused on state government and investigative journalism—a style of reporting that delves deep into a single topic, often uncovering corruption or systemic failures. Today, the publication has broadened its scope to cover a diverse array of essential topics, including:
- Criminal justice and health policy
- Higher education and the environment
- Sports and state governance
Commitment to Journalistic Integrity
Mississippi Today operates as a nonpartisan organization, meaning it does not align with any political party. To maintain the highest professional standards, the newsroom strictly adheres to the Society of Professional Journalists' Code of Ethics, which emphasizes accuracy, independence, and minimizing harm.
This commitment to watchdog journalism—reporting that monitors the conduct of public officials and institutions—has positioned the outlet as a trusted source for transparency in Mississippi.
National Recognition and Impact
The newsroom achieved significant national prominence in 2022 through its exhaustive investigative reporting on the Mississippi welfare funds scandal. This rigorous work led reporter Anna Wolfe to win the Pulitzer Prize for Local Reporting in 2023. The organization's continued excellence was further highlighted as a finalist for the 2024 Pulitzer Prizes.
To amplify its impact, Mississippi Today frequently collaborates with prestigious national and regional partners, including the Associated Press, ProPublica, and the New York Times. Furthermore, the organization expanded its capabilities in 2023 by acquiring the Mississippi Center for Investigative Reporting.
Key Facts
- Founded: May 2016
- Headquarters: Jackson, Mississippi
- Legal Status: Nonprofit online newsroom
- Major Achievement: 2023 Pulitzer Prize for Local Reporting (Anna Wolfe)
- Funding: Supported by individual donors and grants from major foundations
- Ownership: Deep South Today
Organization Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| CEO | Mary Margaret White |
| Editor | Emily Wagster Pettus |
| URL | mississippitoday.org |
| ISSN | 0746-2247 |
| OCLC Number | 1080317596 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Mississippi Today?
Mississippi Today is a nonprofit, nonpartisan online newsroom headquartered in Jackson, Mississippi, dedicated to providing investigative and local news coverage.
Who founded the organization?
It was founded in 2016 by Andrew Lack, Jim Barksdale, and Donna Barksdale.
What major award has the newsroom won?
Reporter Anna Wolfe won the 2023 Pulitzer Prize for Local Reporting for her work on the Mississippi welfare funds scandal.
How is Mississippi Today funded?
The newsroom is supported through grants from major foundations as well as contributions from individual donors.
Does Mississippi Today collaborate with other news outlets?
Yes, they collaborate with several high-profile organizations, including the New York Times, ProPublica, and the Associated Press.