BY NICOLE BOWMAN-LAYTON

We’re an independent news outlet committed to delivering accurate, insightful, and community-focused journalism. In a time when local news is increasingly under threat, our mission is more critical than ever.

This media outlet was born out of a request from the community: New residents want to know about where they moved to. More established residents want to know what’s happening in their towns and counties. Visitors and people who moved away from the area want to learn about this historic area and see what people are up to here.

Need proof? While the majority of our readers are from northeastern NC, we also have readers in Greensboro, Winston-Salem, England, Ireland and Canada.

As someone who lived here for a few years, left and came back, I know how there is no place like the communities around the Albemarle Sound. Yes, our region may not have the bells and whistles that big cities or towns may have. But most of the people here are amazingly kind and hard working. Some are doing the best they can with what the community has while helping something wonderful happen here. I love covering those kind of stories.

That’s also part of why we started this online newspaper. We strive to be the eyes and ears of our community, ensuring that residents are informed and engaged in the issues that shape their lives. It’s one less thing you have to do yourself.

We believe that strong, independent journalism is the cornerstone of a healthy democracy, particularly in rural areas where access to reliable information can be limited. Many neighboring counties don’t have local newspapers or media coverage, except for when something big — and sometimes bad — happens.

Rural communities like ours often face unique challenges. National news outlets may overlook local stories, leaving residents disconnected from the decisions and events that directly impact them. This information gap can lead to a sense of isolation and a decline in civic participation.

The Albemarle Observer aims to bridge this gap by providing in-depth coverage of local government, education, business, and community events. We believe that by shining a light on these stories, we can foster a stronger sense of community and empower residents to make informed choices.

For those who aren’t familiar with me, I’m the “Tech” person for the Albemarle Observer. I think AI is a tool for journalists, not a replacement. I love videos, podcasts and all the cool ways we can share information. I write and sometimes I do a decent job of it.

For background, I’m a graduate of NC State and a former editor of the Chowan Herald (one of maybe two or three female editors in the paper’s 90-year history). I have worked in the industry for over 30 years. I have three kids — one in college and two in Edenton-Chowan Schools. Most of their education experience has been here.

I say all this to point out our commitment to this community. We have received so much, and this website is a way we can give back.

Since this website’s inception, the Albemarle Observer has demonstrated a consistent commitment to quality journalism. Our website averages approximately 10,000 views per month, reaching over 6,000 unique visitors.

We’ve covered crucial local issues, including in-depth reports on school board meetings, analysis of local economic development initiatives, and features on the vibrant cultural events that make our region unique.

To better serve our community, we are seeking financial support to upgrade our website and expand our capabilities. Our current platform limits our ability to provide essential features that our readers need.

We envision a website with a comprehensive event calendar, allowing residents to stay informed about local happenings. We also aim to enhance our advertising abilities, providing local businesses with a cost-effective way to reach their target audience.

These upgrades will not only improve the user experience but also create a sustainable financial model for our news outlet.

Your generous donation will directly support these crucial upgrades and enable us to expand our coverage. By investing in the Albemarle Observer, you are investing in the future of local journalism and the vitality of our community. Your contribution will help us maintain our independence, expand our reach, and continue to provide the high-quality journalism that our readers deserve.

Any amount is appreciated, and all donations will be used to improve the services we provide to the Albemarle region.

We believe that local news is a public good, and we are committed to providing it to our community, free of charge. However, we cannot achieve our goals without your support. Join us in our mission to empower our community with the information it needs to thrive.

Please visit albemarleobserver.news/contact to make a contribution today.

Thank you for your support of independent journalism in the northeastern North Carolina.