Congratulations, Brandon!
The Long Beach Watchdog has been named a finalist in the prestigious LA Press Club Awards in three different categories.
We have exciting news to share with you today.
The Long Beach Watchdog has been named a finalist in the prestigious LA Press Club Awards in three different categories. In a media landscape where local journalism continues to face immense challenges, this recognition validates what we've been fighting for since day one: journalism that matters, that serves our community and that holds power to account.
Our reporter Brandon Richardson has received nominations for his crucial work covering stories that mainstream outlets often ignore:
- LOCAL POLITICAL/GOVERNMENT REPORTING for his piece "CSULB professors say they're being targeted over pro-Palestinian activities" – a story that exposed how faculty members were being singled out for their political expression;
- PHOTO ESSAY (Single Topic) for his powerful photo series "Over 1,000 people join peaceful pro-Palestine rally at Cal State Long Beach" – imagery that brought you to the heart of a worldwide movement on our local campus;
- MUSIC FEATURE for his profile "'This is rock star stuff': From Long Beach metalhead to playing taiko for millions" – a celebration of local talent that shares the journey of a homegrown artist making it big.
Through Brandon's lens, the Long Beach Watchdog has amplified community voices that might otherwise go unheard and documented movements that shape the future of our city and the world.
We built the Watchdog as a worker cooperative because we believe journalism serves communities best when reporters answer to readers — not wealthy owners, corporate sponsors or major donors.
Being recognized by our peers in journalism validates this approach, but the truth is, we need more than awards to keep going.
The hard reality is that every single Watchdog, like Brandon, has had to take a second job to keep our journalism alive.
These award nominations are a testament to what we can accomplish even under these constraints, but imagine what we could do with sustainable funding.
If each person reading this contributed just $5 a month, we could pay our journalists a living wage and expand our coverage to bring you even more of the stories that matter.
Our news is free; your subscription isn't buying you access to our reporting. It's investing in the people working tirelessly to protect our democracy, bring you transparency, and uplift our community.
Today, as we celebrate this recognition, become a monthly supporter, and help ensure Long Beach keeps its Watchdog. On behalf of the entire Watchdog team, we hope and believe we've earned it.
In solidarity,
Dennis Dean, CEO
on behalf of the Long Beach Watchdog team
We need your support.
Subcribe to the Watchdog today.
The Long Beach Watchdog is owned by journalists, and paid for by readers like you. If independent, local reporting like the story you just read is important to you, support our work by becoming a subscriber.
