Richmond native, Sarah Baird identified a problem with modern day reporting. Too often, media hubs in one of roughly four major metropolis areas were covering stories with little to no local involvement. The lack of local contribution meant that too frequently, featured areas were misrepresented.

Baird found a solution when she established Shoeleather, a resource hub that connects writers with editors, publishers and the like. The database is entirely free and operates on an honor system. Journalists identify their area and become searchable within the database. To date, more than 400 grass roots journalists have joined the directory.

Baird’s solution to “parachute journalism” has gained national attention. The New York Times recently picked up her story.

Sarah Baird can be found on Twitter.

Visit Shoeleather on Facebook.

To read more, click HERE