BIRMINGHAM — The 1819 News team came together on October 18 to celebrate being in business across Alabama for two years.
1819 News, a nonprofit LLC, strives to work and fight for the people of Alabama. The mission is to tell news with honesty and integrity while "rising to the moment of truth" and focusing on Alabama values.
The brainchild of CEO Bryan Dawson, 1819 News has been a watchman in the dark and light to inform citizens of deep-rooted issues that political, social, and business leaders consider, face, and change every day.
Dawson got the idea for 1819 News after the 2020 election. It was a mission dear to his heart.
"After the 2020 election it became clear that the only way to do that was to focus closer to home," said Dawson. "Trying to fix Washington DC was like trying to put out the sun with a water pistol. We need strong families, strong churches, strong communities that know what is going on in their government so they can take responsibility for it and put an end to the crony corruption that plagues our state. It became clear that we needed a real news organization in Alabama. By the grace of God, we've been able to put together one heck of a team that has done an amazing job and we've had an undeniable impact on the state in our first two years. We're just getting started."
1819 News Editor in Chief Jeff Poor said taking on such a task has been challenging yet rewarding.
"It's important for us to present the average Alabamian's view on issues challenging the state and put it at the forefront for policymakers," Poor said. "Many lawmakers want to do the right thing, but we have to make sure they know what matters to taxpayers and their constituents."
It's been two years since @1819News published its first page. I couldn't be more proud of what we've accomplished.
— Bryan Dawson (@Bryan1819News) October 19, 2023
Join me and Editor-in-Chief @jeff_poor on this edition of 1819 News: The Podcast as we recap the years and look toward the future of our great state. #alpolitics pic.twitter.com/hmuo30Pcmm
1819 News has done in-depth reporting on redistricting, midterm elections, challenges following the COVID pandemic, grocery tax cuts, public education, school choice, illegal gambling, prison plans, constitutional carry, voter integrity and the overturning of Roe v. Wade.
Specifically, 1819 News has broken news such as former House Speaker Mac McCutcheon's involvement in a company that was a target of the U.S. Department of Justice and the discovery of racist texts by members of Auburn's Black Student Union. The organization also provided continued coverage of issues surrounding the Alabama Department of Transportation director John Cooper, Montgomery Mayor Steven Reed, Jefferson County Sheriff Mark Pettway and Mobile annexation, making the city the second-largest in the state.
"I have seven children and I am going to fight with everything I have to make sure they have an Alabama worth living in when they grow up and raise my grandchildren," said Dawson. "Previous generations have kicked the can down the road and refused to stand up to the issues that are plaguing us, and I'll be damned if I kick the can down the road for my children."
To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email erica.thomas@1819news.com.
Don't miss out! Subscribe to our newsletter and get our top stories every weekday morning.
