Deep South Today Expands to Four Newsrooms

Deep South Today, a nonprofit news network, is expanding its operations with the upcoming launch of a fourth newsroom, Arkansas Today, in the fall. This expansion marks a significant growth phase for the organization, which currently comprises Mississippi Today, Verite News in New Orleans, and The Current in Lafayette, Louisiana. The network also integrated The Garrison Project last year, with its founder Ethan Brown now serving as Deep South Today’s special projects editor, focusing on criminal justice initiatives across the three existing newsrooms. Adam Ganucheau, who began his career at Mississippi Today a decade ago, has transitioned from editor-in-chief of Mississippi Today to become the executive editor and chief content officer for the entire Deep South Today network. Under Ganucheau's leadership, the network has grown to over 80 employees and manages a budget exceeding $10 million. This growth is further bolstered by a recent $3 million donation from board chair Andy Lack. This significant contribution will fund the establishment of an investigative reporting center, a collaborative effort with The New York Times, and the creation of a new video production unit named Deep South Today Studios. The network's strategic model emphasizes independent editorial operations that share essential infrastructure, including payroll, technology, and business and audience development staff. Deep South Today's leadership believes this shared services approach is crucial for delivering comprehensive reporting to the Deep South, a region historically facing under-resourcing. Warwick Sabin, CEO of Deep South Today, stated that this model is "the only thing that can work in a region like the Deep South that is under-resourced and is also serving a population that doesn’t have as much access to capital and financial resources." Philanthropy currently represents Deep South Today's primary source of revenue, with Sabin describing these philanthropic contributions as "seed capital to build the infrastructure that allows us to maximize the revenue from the other" revenue streams. The organization aims to build a sustainable model that can effectively serve communities with limited access to financial resources and robust journalistic coverage. The expansion into Arkansas signifies a commitment to addressing news deserts and providing vital information to a broader audience within the region.