The Lone Star Storyteller: Evan Smith’s Texas-Sized Impact on Journalism

Evan Smith is a prominent figure in Texas journalism, known for his innovative contributions to media and civic engagement. As the co-founder and former CEO of The Texas Tribune, a nonprofit organization dedicated to in-depth reporting on state politics and public policy, Smith has significantly shaped local journalism. Before this, he served as the editor-in-chief of Texas Monthly, where he developed his storytelling and editorial leadership skills. Currently, he is a senior advisor at the Emerson Collective, focusing on revitalizing local journalism initiatives nationwide. In my podcast interview with Evan Smith, we explored his career trajectory and the founding story of The Texas Tribune. He shared insights on maintaining editorial independence amid donor expectations and discussed the unique challenges of covering Texas' diverse political landscape. The conversation also touched on how traditional news outlets can adapt to the digital age, strategies for increasing civic engagement and voter turnout, and the impact of social media on news dissemination. Mr. Smith's experiences provide valuable perspectives on the future of journalism in an evolving media landscape.