“Erin is a journalism veteran who has not only worked in local news but studied how to make it better, more responsive, and more representative. Erin is bringing deep knowledge in editorial process design and news editing. Erin’s work will allow us to add more high-quality news products that will inform Detroiters of Outlier’s existing […]
Posted inNews
Build for a crisis: ideas for the future of local news
We believe for local news to have a future, it has to be built for people when they truly need information before it is built for people when they are just curious.
Posted inNews
Is bureaucracy or public safety keeping MDOC’s parole numbers down?
By Joey Horan and Tom Brouns, special to Outlier Media February 25, 2021 Angela Spangler expected her partner, Justin Eskildsen, to be released from Marquette Branch Prison on January 9. He had served his minimum sentence, nearly two years, and had been granted parole. But as that date crept closer, Eskildsen sensed something was off […]
Posted inNews
How can delivering info to meet basic needs drive an entire newsroom?
By Malak Silmi January 21, 2020Since April more people have used Outlier’s text message information system to help them find food assistance more often than anything else. About 35% of our users have needed help with food since the pandemic started. Ebony Hamilton, a single mother living with her children in River Rouge, was in the same position in […]
Posted inNews
The Detroit issues we’re watching in 2021
We are working towards a better 2021 by exposing and filling the accountability gaps the pandemic has created or worsened in Detroit. The things at the top of our list of concerns are below. Help us keep an eye out. Reach out if you need us or want to talk through a tip or a […]
Posted inNews
A Message from Outlier Media
Outlier Media is preparing for some major changes as we look to the future. We are broadening our focus a bit, but we remain dedicated to filling local information and accountability gaps.
Posted inNews
Are Michigan Prisons Above the Law?
Outlier published an investigation in late August that looked into MDOC’s response to COVID-19. My reporting found that the agency’s measures to stem the spread of the virus were often ineffective, punitive, and in some cases, created chaos and confusion.
Posted inNews
Is prison health public health?
Two mothers came through the text messaging system, just expressing concern, both not knowing really what was going on inside and not knowing what the response [of MDOC] was.
Posted inNews
Hiring: Reporter to cover information needs in Metro Detroit in Arabic for Outlier Media (Temporary position)
Photo by Thomas Martinsen on Unsplash About Outlier Media Outlier Media is a news service based in Detroit, Michigan filling information and accountability gaps since 2017. We seek to fill the news needs of low-income residents who make up at least two-thirds of the city but are poorly served by other news outlets. By keeping […]