News is Out, the groundbreaking LGBTQ+ media collaborative, is proud to welcome six new affiliate members. This expansion strengthens the collaborative’s mission to amplify LGBTQ+ voices and ensure equitable, community-centered journalism across the country.
The six new affiliate members are:
- Buckeye Flame (Ohio)
- Between the Lines/Pridesource (Michigan)
- Lookout (Arizona)
- OutSFL (Southern Florida)
- QNotesCarolinas (Carolinas)
- Watermark Out News (Central Florida)
“The addition of these incredible affiliate members to News is Out is a landmark moment for the collaborative,” said Dana Piccoli, managing director of News is Out. “After three years of growth, we’re thrilled to take this next step and continue working for a more sustainable future for all queer media, alongside our new partners.”
The affiliates, who are important sources of information for the LGBTQ+ community in their regions, will actively participate in shaping the collaborative’s future impact. Affiliates will have opportunities to contribute to fundraising efforts, take part in branded content campaigns to grow revenue and collaborate on joint applications for philanthropic support. Affiliates will also act as ambassadors for the program, and play a key role in 2025 LGBTQ+ Media Day, both in fundraising and sharing in the proceeds.
Penny Riordan, LMA’s director of Local News Fund and collaboration, said she is glad that the publishers were eager to expand the group. “These outlets are also leaders in the queer media space, just as our founding publishers are. It’s a true sign of collaboration if the group votes to add more members.”
Buckeye Flame founder and affiliate Ken Schneck said, “There is such collective power to queer newsrooms working together, and that power is especially and acutely needed right now. The Buckeye Flame is proud to be a part of News is Out’s vital efforts to amplify LGBTQ+ individuals and issues.”
“Qnotes is pleased and excited to be a member of News is Out and looks forward to working with legacy LGBTQ+ media veterans throughout the country as well as a great group of media professionals at the Local Media Association,” said Jim Yarbrough, publisher of Qnotes & QnotesCarolinas.com.
Leo Cusimano, owner of the Dallas Voice and a longtime member of News is Out is looking forward to expanding the collaboration’s efforts and mission. “At a time when independent queer media is more vital than ever, expanding our collaborative means we can uplift even more voices, share resources, and strengthen the future of LGBTQ+ media. We’re thrilled to welcome our new partners and excited for the impact we can make together.”
About News is Out
News is Out is a pioneering national collaborative of six of the legendary local queer news publishers. We deliver compelling journalism, which engages, amplifies and connects the LGBTQ+ community. newsisout.com
About Local Media Association / Local Media Foundation
Local Media Foundation, a 501(c)(3) charitable trust, serves as the innovation and transformation affiliate of LMA. Incorporating our four strategic pillars — business transformation, journalism funded by philanthropy, industry collaboration, and sustainability for publishers of color — LMF helps provide local media companies the strategies and resources for meaningful innovation and impactful journalism projects.
Local Media Association brings all media together to share, network, collaborate and more. More than 3,000 newspapers, TV stations, radio stations, digital pure-plays, and research and development partners engage with LMA as members or constituents of our programs. As a 501(c)(6) trade association, LMA is focused on the business side of local media. Its programs and labs focus on revenue growth and new business models. LMA helps local media companies develop their strategies via cutting-edge programs, conferences, webinars, research and training.