by Joe Siegel

News is Out, the LGBTQ media collaborative formed in 2023, has welcomed six new affiliate members.

They are The Buckeye Flame, based in suburban Cleveland, Ohio; Between the Lines/Pride Source, based in Ann Arbor, Mich.; Lookout, based in Phoenix, Ariz.; OutSFL, based in Wilton Manors, Fla.; QnotesCarolinas, based in Charlotte, N.C.; and Watermark Out News, based in Orlando, Fla.

“This expansion strengthens our mission to amplify LGBTQ+ voices and ensure equitable, community-centered journalism across the country,” said Dana Piccoli, News is Out’s managing director. “As vital sources of information for their local LGBTQ+ communities, the affiliates will help drive News is Out’s future direction and impact.”

“We are glad to support more amazing LGBTQ+ outlets across the U.S. in whatever collaborative opportunities arise through our affiliate program,” said Penny Riordan, director of collaboration for the Local Media Association (LMA), whose Local Media Foundation operates News is Out.

Leaders from the publications welcomed the opportunity to be part of the collective.

“More generally, The Buckeye Flame is a part of several cohorts, and I have found each one to be extraordinarily beneficial as it helps provide a more broad perspective to help support our scrappy queer newsroom,” said publisher Ken Schneck. “News is Out specifically will expand our network, help amplify our journalism, and provide vital connections to colleagues engaged in similar work across the country.”

“Qnotes is pleased and excited to be a member of News is Out and looks forward to working with legacy LGBTQ+ media veterans throughout the country as well as a great group of media professionals at the Local Media Association,” said Jim Yarbrough, publisher of QnotesCarolinas.

The affiliates will actively participate in shaping the collaborative’s future impact. Affiliates will have opportunities to contribute to fundraising efforts, take part in branded content campaigns to grow revenue and collaborate on joint applications for philanthropic support. Affiliates will also act as ambassadors for the progra, and play a key role in 2025 LGBTQ+ Media Day, both in fundraising and sharing in the proceeds, according to News is Out.

“Joining News Is Out as an affiliate member marks a pivotal moment for our newsroom,” said Joseph Darius Jaafari, founder and editor in chief of Lookout. “As one of the only LGBTQ+ nonprofit outlets dedicated to accountability and investigative journalism, it was imperative that we pursued sustainable revenue models beyond traditional advertising. Our partnership with LMA and News is Out to build sponsored content is a strategic investment in the future of the watchdog reporting that our communities depend on. At a time when LGBTQ+ media is shrinking nationwide, while political attacks against the community grow substantially, this collaboration not only strengthens our ability to elevate LGBTQ+ voices in journalism — it helps set a standard for how the industry must treat coverage of our communities: with the seriousness and rigor every beat deserves.”

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Volume 27
Issue 3