Frequently Asked Questions
Postindustrial Media focuses on communities in transition, regions we call “Postindustrial America.”
We produce an all-color quarterly magazine highlighting the region through our written journalism and powerful photography. We also produce daily digital editions, podcasts, video, and events. The Postindustrial Audio Network features podcasts we produce, and some we just share.
What is especially important to us: Engage people in meaningful conversations that provide insight and actionable information to help create more prosperous and equitable communities in our region.
Where do you get your stories?
Some, we write and report in-house. Others, we ask journalists who are closest to a story geographically or have a special area of expertise to report and write. Our digital edition points readers to stories produced by news outlets, including newspapers and public radio stations. We also republish news from some nonprofit media outlets such as ProPublica, Spotlight PA, The Center Square, and Wisconsin Watch.
From emerging and aspiring journalists, you may find stories from iGeneration Youth, a by-youth, for-youth media outlet that highlights contributions by students from all over the world. We also support student work through publication of stories and photographs by college students, such as those at West Virginia University.
We highlight podcasts in our audio network from Sorgatron Media, a valued and trusted producer who has created a vibrant community of audio podcasts.
How do you select story topics?
We favor stories that have not been written about elsewhere.
We also favor stories that can help identify a problem people otherwise would not have known — in hopes of creating awareness, and possibly, a solution.
The following areas will be given priority: Investigative journalism, sustainability, reuse of spaces, fascinating stories about “places,” future of work, veterans, profiles of innovators, health & wellness.
Who can contribute?
We seek contributions in three ways.
- Journalists with a demonstrated expertise and experience in an area relevant to their story — words, images or multimedia, should pitch us using this form.
- Students throughout Postindustrial America. We want to help you published. We are willing to work with you and your professors to bring one of your stories to our quarterly magazine or website, through mentoring and editing. Please contact us at editorial@postindustrial.com for more information.
- Columns: We call this feature VOICES and if you have an idea — please let us know. We want to hear from you — especially if you feel like you haven’t been heard. We’re also editors, and we like pulling the stories out of people. If you’re not confident in what you’d like to say or how to say it, email us. These are not “letters to the editor.” This is: write what you know. We do not publish columns that present as political ads or columns focused exclusively on politics. Also, we cannot publish every submission and are unable to reply to every query. These pieces are 800 words or less. See an example here and here. Please email us at editorial@postindustrial.com.
I have a news tip but I don’t want to give my name….
You don’t have to give us your name. Use WhatsApp, a free messaging app owned by Facebook, which allows you to communicate directly with us anonymously. You can message us by searching for our name, Postindustrial.
What is an example of a strong tip? Specifics — more than just a hunch — that there’s a problem. We ask the question: What is not working as it should be as it applies to the public good? How should it be working?
We cannot promise that each tip will turn into a story. Some tips are difficult to prove. But we will follow the information and we will respect your privacy.
If you’d like to speak with us directly please email editorial@postindustrial.com and we’ll send you a phone number to call.