Advocate Media Joins News Revenue Hub in New Partnership
We are proud to share that Advocate Media, a storied publication serving communities in Dallas for more than 30 years, is joining the News Revenue Hub to deepen membership development and continue to strengthen its community-focused mission after formally transitioning to a nonprofit organization.
Advocate Media is dedicated to providing free, hyperlocal news that helps neighbors make informed civic and personal decisions. By providing targeted publications for neighborhoods city-wide and without charge, they help democratize their city and ensure all communities have a seat at the table.
After 30+ years as a neighbor-owed small business, Advocate Media made the decision to transition to an IRS-recognized 501(c)3 nonprofit, setting up an ideal strategic partnership with the News Revenue Hub.
The Hub will work closely with Advocate Media to optimize their membership program and establish best practices that can be shared across the news industry.
“Since the beginning — regardless of race, economics or politics — if you read Advocate, you’re a neighbor,” said Rick Wamre, founder, Advocate Media. “To achieve that goal, then as now, we make our publications free to everyone. If we can help neighbors feel like a part of our neighborhood — particularly if work or family issues keep you from attending meetings or meeting the people next door — we’re doing something good.”
Advocate Media was born from the idea of talking with neighbors about news and events around Dallas in an unbiased, helpful and informative manner. What began in a guest bedroom as a monthly newspaper became five glossy print magazines covering the Dallas neighborhoods of Lakewood/East Dallas, Oak Cliff, Preston Hollow, Lake Highlands and Plano — each with companion opt-in email lists along with web and social media sites.
“Advocate Media is joining The Hub at an exceptionally exciting time with endless opportunities to continue to leverage its new nonprofit status,” says Mary Walter-Brown, co-founder and CEO of News Revenue Hub. “It was in their DNA to become a nonprofit, and with already-strong community ties, neighbors can now offer direct support to an outlet they love. Sustaining local journalism and championing local stories becomes a true community effort.”
Nonprofit status allows Advocate Media to approach businesses with different sponsorship opportunities and engage readers in different ways, while they continue donating more than $250,000 annually in media space and promotions to neighborhood schools, nonprofits and groups.
“We’re a small newsroom, always have been, but our mission remains the same — provide free, local news to everyone who cares about our neighborhoods,” President and Editor-in-Chief Jehadu Abshiro says.
“We’ve spent the better part of the last two years figuring out what that conversion means to us as a team and as an organization,” Abshiro continues. “It’s just another way to leverage our ability to tell more neighborhood stories. Partnering with News Revenue Hub will make us even more effective in how we operate as a nonprofit and as a journalism outlet.
In joining The Hub, Advocate Media will have access to News Revenue Engine, a user-friendly contribution management platform tailored specifically for newsrooms, regardless of nonprofit or for-profit status. The new platform, launched by The Hub in 2023, features out-of-the-box contribution page templates, customizable branding and appeal language, mobile payment options, and a portal for contributors to manage payments.
“We are ready to begin our work with Advocate Media and capitalize on our natural alignment,” says Walter-Brown. “The Hub, and specifically RevEngine, prioritizes sustainability all while informing communities with free and accessible content. Our partnership will showcase community-supported journalism at its best and help to provide a roadmap for other newsrooms making a transition to nonprofit status.”