The Local Journalism Initiative named Jacob Owens as the editor in chief of Spotlight Delaware, a new collaborative nonprofit newsroom and news website slated to launch next month.
Owens has nearly 15 years of experience in reporting, editing and managing newsrooms in Delaware and Maryland. He most recently served as editor of Delaware Business Times and before that was Executive Editor of the Cecil Whig, Elkton, MD.
Spotlight Delaware will focus on covering public policy and how it affects the daily lives of Delawareans throughout the state, with a particular emphasis on communities that have not always had access to local news and information.
LJI has been receiving input from the community and surveys in determining areas of coverage. Based on those results, government accountability, education and the impact of land use decisions will be the focus.
Spotlight Delaware will make this information available to more Delawareans by partnering with existing newsrooms.
“Over the years, I’ve witnessed downsized newsrooms and reporters stretched to do more with less. I’m excited to join Spotlight Delaware, which will elevate the information communities have and support the success of our partner newsrooms,” Owen ssaid.
A Delaware resident for 30 years and graduate of the University of Delaware, Owens lives in Middletown with his wife and two daughters.
“Jake brings a depth of experience in local news leadership and love of Delaware that will catapult Spotlight Delaware’s ability to serve communities throughout the First State,” said LJI Founder and CEO Allison Taylor Levine. “He also has a deep commitment to building our local news ecosystem and supporting the success of existing newsrooms by providing journalism that will help them grow and serve their audiences.”
The Local Journalism Initiative has received foundation funding and has set up a site for contributions.
Owens can be reached at jowens@spotlightdelaware.org or at 302.379.1993.