Texas ObserverMar 27, 2023

We just found out the Texas Observer is shutting down this week. Unfortunately, we found out via our friends at @texastribune.

It's been an absolute pleasure interacting with everyone in the Fediverse as the Texas Observer, and we'll miss you.
https://www.texastribune.org/2023/03/26/texas-observer-shutting-down/

(Edit: We're not dead yet! There's life in this old pub still. See update at: https://texasobserver.social/@TexasObserver/110101912371078713 )

Texas Observer, the legendary liberal magazine, is shutting down

The 68-year-old progressive publication, which published Ronnie Dugger, Molly Ivins and Kaye Northcott, hit financial troubles and wasn’t able to broaden its audience, board members said.

The Texas Tribune
Show threadTexas ObserverMar 27, 2023
Texas Observer, legendary crusading liberal magazine, is closing and laying off its staff https://www.texastribune.org/2023/03/26/texas-observer-shutting-down/?utm_campaign=trib-social-buttons&utm_source=twitter&utm_medium=social via @texastribune
Texas Observer, the legendary liberal magazine, is shutting down

The 68-year-old progressive publication, which published Ronnie Dugger, Molly Ivins and Kaye Northcott, hit financial troubles and wasn’t able to broaden its audience, board members said.

The Texas Tribune
Show threadTexas ObserverMar 27, 2023
We understand some staff may be setting up a GoFundMe to support us. Stay tuned for info as we are able to share it.
Show threadTexas ObserverMar 27, 2023

We will share updates here as long as possible. At the least, a GoFundMe should launch soon.

In case this account / instance is shut down, follow @kitoconnell or @oconnell for updates. #JournoLife #SaveTXO

Show thread✨🏳️‍⚧️Timelordiroh 🇵🇸
@TexasObserver @kitoconnell @oconnell I don't have much, but I would be honored to do pitch in a bit to support your great journalism. I discovered the observer from here on the fediverse but I have come to enjoy reading (even if I'm not from Texas. In many ways, somehow, where Texas goes, the rest of the country does). I hope something can be done to keep the observer going.
Mar 27, 2023 at 5:46pmWeb
Show threadKit O'ConnellMar 27, 2023
@timelordiroh @TexasObserver @kitoconnell yes I wish more realized how important what happens here is to the rest of the country. We were sounding the alarm about so much that's happening nationwide or even worldwide... We will try to keep going a little longer if we are allowed and at the least will try to give the workers a good cushion to land on.
Show threadGoldaMar 27, 2023
@timelordiroh @TexasObserver @kitoconnell @oconnell they should have at least transfered the brand to a coop of the journalists. would have been the least they could do
Show threadKit O'ConnellMar 27, 2023
@gvelez17 @timelordiroh @TexasObserver @oconnell we need something like this in Texas
Show threadGoldaMar 27, 2023
@kitoconnell @timelordiroh @TexasObserver @oconnell maybe they could actually ask the board to do that? if there was enough pressure from readers?
Show thread✨🏳️‍⚧️Timelordiroh 🇵🇸Mar 27, 2023
@gvelez17 @kitoconnell @TexasObserver @oconnell this is such a great idea. If the old board doesn't want to do their job anymore, the least they can do is turn it over to the people that rely on the paper. I know it would take time, but maybe this could be the legacy, a coop to support progressive journalism and keep others from suffering the same fate. Is there a good way to contact the powers that be to digest something like this?
Show threadGoldaMar 27, 2023

@timelordiroh @kitoconnell @TexasObserver @oconnell well this seems to be the people https://www.texasobserver.org/board/

probably we need someone who knows them tho to broach this

The Texas Democracy Foundation

Parent board of the Texas Observer In 1994, Ronnie Dugger, founding editor and the publisher of the Texas Observer for 40 years, transferred ownership to the Texas Democracy Foundation, which was established as a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organization to publish and promote the Observer. Current board members LAURA HERNANDEZ HOLMES — President Laura Hernandez Holmes is a […]

The Texas Observer
Show threadKit O'ConnellMar 27, 2023
@gvelez17 @timelordiroh @TexasObserver @oconnell right now the staff's goal is just to stave off layoffs, but after that there would need to be many different options discussed to keep us alive longer.