Houston Public Media has established a Galveston County News Bureau, expanding its hyperlocal reporting with an embedded journalist dedicated to reporting on the people, decisions and events shaping this growing county in Southeast Texas.
Launched in response to audience research and feedback, the new bureau is the second for Houston Public Media and builds on the success of its Fort Bend County News Bureau, which launched in 2023.
Houston Public Media’s Julianna Washburn has been named Galveston County bureau reporter. A journalism graduate from the University of Georgia, her prior experience includes serving as a television news reporter in Lubbock, Texas, and an education reporter for Community Impact.
“This bureau allows us to deepen our connection to Galveston County and provide the kind of community-focused journalism our audiences have told us they value and trust us to deliver,” said Josh Adams, associate vice president and general manager, Houston Public Media. “Galveston County is an important and growing part of Southeast Texas, and we are committed to covering the issues, people and developments shaping its future.”
Galveston County is the third-largest source of local listeners to News 88.7, Houston Public Media’s news and talk station. The county continues to experience significant growth in sectors such as tourism, healthcare and maritime commerce, developments that have implications throughout the Greater Houston region. According to the latest census data, Galveston County is approaching 400,000 residents.
“Stories emerging from Galveston County have an impact on the entire region,” said Scott Flannigan, senior director of news, Houston Public Media. “We will focus on stories that hold elected and appointed officials accountable, examine how transportation, health care, infrastructure and job growth are being managed, and highlight the people who live and work in the county.”
Flannigan noted that Galveston’s continued growth is an opportunity for Houston Public Media’s bureau to grow alongside the community.
With a steadfast commitment to local journalism, Houston Public Media leaders say they will continue identifying communities where dedicated local coverage can strengthen its hyperlocal journalism.
The news organization marked the launch of its new bureau with an evening reception on May 20th at The Bryan Museum in Galveston attended by donors, board members, sponsors, community partners, elected officials and local business leaders.
Houston Public Media provides audiences across Greater Houston with free access to informative and inspiring content through platforms that include TV 8 (PBS), News 88.7 (NPR), HPM Classical, digital media and connected TV audiences through HPM+.
(This post taken from a release sent to me by HPM)
