In the past, I've written about former Houston broadcast journalists who have started online news operations, but here is a community journalism success story involving a teenager!
“I am a 17 year old high schooler who has a little experience in journalism," Brandon Mora told mikemcguff.com via email. "I have gotten multiple compliments along with a lot of 'WHAT!!! You’re so young! Great Job!!!' I have surprised multiple people."
Founder and editor of HTX Breaking News Brandon Mora, along with editor Adrianna Solomon, have amassed more than 30,000 Facebook page followers in less than a year.
“I just wanted to inform my small community, Denver Harbor and other surrounding areas, of incidents that were occurring or have occurred in and around our area," Mora said. "At first the page was called East Houston Breaking News, but the name got out there and that’s when I decided to expand throughout the WHOLE HARRIS COUNTY area including parts of Galveston County.”
Mora tells me he has always been the type of person who gets calls from friends and family for the latest news in this area.
As his follower count grows, Mora is already receiving attention from the mainstream media.
“I was interviewed by Randy Wallace from FOX26 (KRIV) about an issue that had to deal with trains blocking roadways during school hours and the kids were having to crawl under and over in order to get to school on time," Mora added. "He was surprised to see who I was! I was also interviewed by Maria Salazar from FOX26 about an issue with the COH (City of Houston)."
Hey Brandon, can you share some of your Facebook followers with me! LOL!
CONTACT: Leave me a Houston or Texas media news tip | COMMENT: Click to leave your thoughts on this post here