Memphis, TN, September 10, 2025

News Summary

The Daily Memphian has established itself as a premier nonprofit news outlet in Memphis, delivering free news supported by subscriptions and donations. Led by CEO Eric Barnes, the organization focuses on local governance, community stories, and social issues while engaging residents through various initiatives. With a commitment to ethical reporting, The Daily Memphian fosters local engagement and highlights the importance of community in promoting journalism. The organization continues to shape its future with strong community involvement and support.

Memphis

The Daily Memphian has solidified its position as a leading nonprofit news organization, supported significantly by the local community. This organization provides comprehensive news content free of charge while primarily relying on subscriptions, donations, and sponsorships for support. With a commitment to delivering high-quality journalism to its readers, The Daily Memphian stands out as one of the largest online local news sites in the United States.

Eric Barnes, the chief executive officer of The Daily Memphian, is a well-known figure in the community, hosting the long-running television program “Behind the Headlines” on WKNO-TV for the past 15 years. He is also an author, having published four novels, and is involved in local broadcasting with his show “The Sidebar” on WYXR 91.7. Additionally, Andy Cates serves as the chairman of the board of Memphis Fourth Estate Inc., the parent organization of The Daily Memphian, which is central in shaping its strategic direction and vision as a community-focused news outlet.

Sarah Leach, director of fundraising and development, plays a vital role in ensuring the organization’s financial sustainability. Through various initiatives, The Daily Memphian encourages community members to subscribe, donate, and become members to receive exclusive updates and contribute to the organization’s mission. Membership options primarily focus on maintaining the organization’s reach and allowing readers to interact through commenting, which is a feature reserved for paid subscribers.

The Daily Memphian provides audience engagement through its morning and evening editions as well as breaking news updates, effectively keeping residents informed about important local happenings. Subscribers can also receive key updates from local governance, including news from city hall and election coverage, enhancing civic engagement within the Memphis community.

The organization emphasizes an ethical stance rooted in honesty and good taste at a time when the media landscape is fraught with challenges. The content covers a range of topics, showcasing local stories that resonate with residents. Recently, the community mourned the loss of notable resident Gene Brady, who passed away at 89 in a tragic car accident, highlighting the significance of community figures in Memphis.

The organization also actively engages with younger audiences, exemplified by its support for initiatives like CodeCrew, which has significantly impacted thousands of young people in Memphis over the past decade. Interns from both Memphis and Nashville contribute to the dynamic environment at The Daily Memphian, bringing fresh perspectives and insights into the newsroom.

Another aspect of local culture covered by The Daily Memphian includes the history of representation within the University of Tennessee marching band, which has had only three Black drum majors since its inception over 150 years ago. Such stories blend the organization’s commitment to thorough local journalism with a focus on historical context and social issues relevant to residents.

The Daily Memphian continues to thrive by fostering a sense of community and ethical reporting, driven by local support that fuels its mission. As the organization evolves, it remains dedicated to being a vital resource for all Memphis residents, serving their informational needs and promoting community engagement.

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Additional Resources

• The Daily Memphian: Six Years of Memphis News Coverage
• Wikipedia: Memphis
• The Daily Memphian: The Sidebar Podcast
• Google Search: Memphis news
• The Daily Memphian: ArtsMemphis Marks $100 Million in Grants

Author: STAFF HERE MEMPHIS WRITER

The MEMPHIS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMemphis.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Memphis, Shelby County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Beale Street Music Festival, Elvis Week, and Memphis in May International Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Memphis Chamber and the Memphis Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in logistics, healthcare, and music that power the local economy such as FedEx, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, and AutoZone. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREChattanooga.com, HEREKnoxville.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.