Beasley Media Group is joining the ranks of radio operators launching online news publications as it unveiled AugustaToday.com today.
Beasley states that Augusta Today will focus on local news in, around, and about the Greater Augusta metro area. Developed with the goal of giving people both the stories they want and the news they need, this hyper-local publication features talented Augusta-area writers such as Ashley Brown, Austin Rhodes, and Kris Fisher. Augusta Today will be free and launch on Wednesday, August 28, 2024. The site will feature breaking local news, sports coverage, lifestyle features and an array of columns ranging in topic from road trips (Tee Gentry’s “Blue Highways”) to local politics (Austin Rhodes’ “I’m Just Saying”) to things done on a dare (Bryan ‘Dub’ Axelson’s “No Prep”).
Steven Uhles will serve as Editor-in-Chief. Most recently a columnist for Augusta Magazine, Uhles has held roles with including two decades as Arts/Entertainment Editor for The Augusta Chronicle and writing for Athens Magazine, Georgia Music Magazine, and Military Officers Association of America Magazine along with holding many marketing positions in the Augusta area. He said, “Free and easy – that’s the mantra. We wanted to make sure that these stories were not blocked by a paywall and that our conversations with the community remain unfettered and unencumbered.”
“We all are extremely excited about Augusta Today and what we believe it will mean to this community,” said Kent Dunn, Vice President and Market Manager of Beasley Media Group. “We see this as a great addition to our portfolio of radio stations here in the Augusta market and a real extension of our local-first approach to engaging with the community.”
Brandon Charles
Do I think this will be enough to reverse the radio fortunes? Absolutely not, is it a good additional revenue stream that at least shows some enthusiasm for the community being served, yes. And I have clients there, so it may be some synergy at some point. It does sort of call to mind, though how much easier it is to get client business done through a digital news article, then the radio. it’s weird being on the other side of that, and thinking like an agent. i’m encouraged by local news being a priority focus for a radio company again though, hoping there will be updates and shared content with stations in the market.