Times News partners with Report for America on new environmental reporter position

KINGSPORT — The Times News has been selected as a 2025 Report for America host newsroom partner. Through this partnership, the Times News will expand its coverage of environmental issues in Northeast Tennessee and Southwest Virginia. Journalists interested in this position can apply via a link in the online version of this article by Feb. 3, 2025 for positions beginning July 7, 2025. "Report For America has given Six Rivers Media additional firepower to cover under-reported issues related to the environment across Northeast Tennessee," said Rob Walters, Six Rivers Media's content director. "This reporter will emphasize larger themes and will unearth news that hits home with readers, especially how it affects the local quality of life. How clean is the air? Water? What are the major issues related to growth? What about transportation? The ongoing aftermath of Hurricane Helene? "A true honor that Report For America selected Six Rivers Media to make this kind of local journalism happen." The reporter will focus on environmental issues in the area, including their impact on tourism and residents' wellbeing. This includes monitoring local industries, such as Eastman Chemical Co., Domtar and Holston Army Ammunition Plant. Hurricane Helene had lasting environmental impacts to the area, which will take years to fully realize. The environmental reporter will also be at the forefront covering the region's recovery from the natural disaster. "We are honored that Six Rivers Media has been awarded the opportunity to partner with Report for America to bring vital environmental reporting to our community," said Ron Waite, Six River Media publisher. "This position made possible through the support of Report for America, Six Rivers Media, and contributions from our readers and local businesses, underscores the importance of collaborative journalism in addressing critical environmental issues. Together, we can inform, engage, and inspire action." "Given the natural beauty of Northeast Tennessee and Southwest Virginia and how much time we love to spend in it, someone dedicated to the state of our natural environment is a blessing," said Allen Rau, Six Rivers Media CEO. "Whether hunting, fishing, hiking, or camping, maintaining it is crucial to the future of those activities and our region." Through the Report for America partnership, the Times News will need to fundraise for a portion of the reporter's salary. Information on ways to support this new reporter will be coming soon. "I'm grateful to Report for America for selecting the Times News as a host newsroom for the first time in our history," said Holly Viers, Times News managing editor. "We look forward to welcoming the region's first environmental reporter to our area and telling stories that have a direct impact on our community. We hope our readers will support us in this effort." The Times News is joining an expanding network of more than 400 newsrooms benefiting from the support of this nonprofit program. Report for America is a national service program that places journalists in local newsrooms to report on under-covered issues and communities. Their proven partnership model is structured to harness the skills and idealism of an emerging group of journalists, plus the creative spirit of local news organizations—like ours. Report for America is a two-year program (with an option for three) that delivers a wide range of benefits to its corps members. Beyond paying up to half of the journalists' salaries, it provides ongoing training and mentorship by leading journalists, peer networking and memberships to select professional organizations. For more information, visit www.reportforamerica.org.