ALXnow is getting a new publisher.
Ryan Belmore, an award-winning news publisher, editor, and journalist, will be taking over as ALXnow publisher on March 1, under an innovative operating agreement with Arlington-based Local News Now LLC.
LNN will retain ownership of the ALXnow site and brand, and will continue serving ALXnow advertising clients. No changes are being made to LNN’s operation of ARLnow and FFXnow.
Belmore plans to add to ALXnow’s local coverage, launch a reader membership service, and provide more opportunities for in-person community engagement, among other initiatives.
“I’m thrilled to take the helm of ALXnow and deepen my connection with the Alexandria community. My goal is to build on the strong foundation already in place and deliver even more comprehensive, engaging coverage that reflects the diverse stories and perspectives of our city. Alexandria deserves a vibrant, thriving local news source, and I’m committed to making sure that ALXnow continues as that source,” Belmore said.
Before moving to Alexandria in 2021 with his wife Jen, he was a lifelong resident of Rhode Island. Since moving to Alexandria, he has been active in the community, having served on the City’s Board of Zoning Appeals and Commission For The Arts. He and Jen have also served as a host family for the Alexandria Aces.
Since 2012, Belmore has owned What’sUpNewp, an independent online news organization that covers Newport County, Rhode Island.
Belmore should be a familiar name to ALXnow readers – he has contributed a weekly column to the site since 2023.
ALXnow reporter James Cullum, who is returning from paternity leave on March 3, will continue in his role. Vernon Miles will move to a new role as senior reporter for ARLnow and FFXnow.
“Our mission as an organization is to better connect our communities and improve the viability of local news locally and nationally,” said Local News Now Founder and CEO Scott Brodbeck. “This partnership aims to do just that, by expanding coverage in Alexandria and bringing the operation of ALXnow even closer to the community.”
Belmore and Brodbeck have collaborated for more than a decade, as long-time members of a professional association, Local Independent Online News Publishers.
“I’ve admired Scott and LNN’s work for years, and I’m excited to partner with them on this innovative approach to local news. Combining my on-the-ground experience with their technical expertise and resources will allow us to deliver a truly exceptional news product for Alexandria. We both share a deep commitment to the future of independent local journalism,” Belmore said.
The partnership pairs an on-the-ground, community-driven approach to local coverage, which Belmore will bolster, with LNN’s back-end AI automations and processes that allow more human focus on reporting the news on the editorial side and boosting client success on the business side.
“This could be a new model for the future of local news and we’re excited to work with Ryan to make sure it’s a success for all involved, including and especially the readers of ALXnow,” Brodbeck added.
Contact Ryan by email at [email protected] or by phone at 401-662-1653. Follow Ryan on Instagram at @ryaninalx.
