Capital B Launches Third Local News Operation in Augusta, Georgia

Capital B, a national and local news outlet focused on Black communities, announced this week that it will launch its third local news operation in Augusta, Georgia. Founded in 2022 with a staff of 16, the organization initially focused on Atlanta and later expanded to Gary, Indiana. The outlet's co-founders, Lauren Williams and Akoto Ofori-Atta, sought "large Black cities that have especially bad local news access" for their expansion plans, with a particular interest in the Rust Belt.

Capital B has grown to a staff of 25, with six dedicated to Atlanta and three to Gary, while the remaining staff support the network. The decision to establish a newsroom in Augusta, Georgia, marks a significant expansion eastward from its previous Rust Belt focus. Augusta's population is approximately 55% African American, and the outlet aims to address a "clear gap in consistent, community-centered local news" that reflects the needs of its Black residents.

In preparation for the Augusta launch, Capital B has spent the first half of the year engaging with Augusta-native journalists and community leaders to understand local news requirements. The organization stated that Augusta's communities require a "stronger information infrastructure." The outlet has posted its first job opening for a founding editor in Augusta, specifying that applicants must reside in or have demonstrated ties to the local community.

This expansion into Augusta is part of Capital B's multiyear growth initiative to enhance local news coverage for Black communities across Georgia and the United States. The organization's strategy involves listening to and understanding the specific news needs of each community before establishing a presence, ensuring their coverage is relevant and impactful.