Ken Ward

Founding Editor-in-Chief and President, Mountain State Spotlight

“Mountain State Spotlight is a nonprofit news organization and Ford grantee focused on covering the issues that matter most to West Virginians and holding powerful institutions accountable. When we started in 2020, the people of West Virginia, like people all over the country, needed better local news. News organizations were spending less and less time outside Charleston, the state capital, actually connecting with West Virginians to understand their needs and experiences. If people don’t see their stories told, it’s hard to trust that their leaders will work to help address the challenges they’re facing.

In 2024, one of our reporters suggested we travel to all 55 counties in the state and talk to people. We made that commitment, putting 10,000 miles on our cars and speaking to hundreds of people at events and at their front doors. We asked them what they’re proud of in their communities, what they’re worried about for their families, and what problems need solving.

We consistently heard concerns about clean drinking water, opioid recovery resources, job training, and child care. Our reporting contributed to changes in state legislation on childcare. A recent survey found that one in five West Virginians read Mountain State Spotlight, and those readers are more likely to be knowledgeable about state government and engaged in civic life. We want to empower citizens to participate in democracy and work together across all 55 counties to make our state better.”

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