Our mission.
The Bayou Progressive is a nonpartisan, nonprofit news organization that seeks to inform the greater Baton Rouge community about local politics and local government while leading the intellectual debate around it through informed perspectives. We have an impact on our community through journalism, investigating why things are the way they are around us, what is being done on our behalf within our government, and what influences those in our government to make the decisions they make. The Bayou Progressive isn’t principally owned or attached to a corporate interest, therefore we are free to tell the truth and feel an obligation to bring that truth and perspective to the people.
Who we are.
Bayou Progressive is a reader-supported independent news outlet created in 2021 as a regional media outlet dedicated to local political coverage and commentary.
We aim to cover the most important political news stories in South Louisiana while offering perspectives that go beyond the status quo. Bayou Progressive’s free online journalism keeps our South Louisiana community well-informed, engaged, and intellectually equipped to advocate for the political leadership they deserve.
What we value.
We share our readers’ progressive values of social justice and good government. We are committed to not only being your trusted local news source but to encouraging critical thinking and civic action on a diverse range of social, economic, and civil rights issues affecting those of us here in South Louisiana.
What we do.
Bayou Progressive is dedicated to providing independent reporting to uncover and publish honest, independent news and information that you can rely on consistently.
We publish a diverse mix of breaking news, insightful views, videos, and press releases covering issues that matter to our community. We compile it all in one easy-to-access online location and present it in a clean, uncomplicated format, uninterrupted by pop-ups, advertising, or gimmicks.
Editorial independence.
Bayou Progressive maintains an editorial independence our readers can count on. Our people-powered model is simple: we rely on our readers and our community. And to ensure our independence, we accept no big business or governmental funding. We specifically don’t accept money from:
- Oil & gas (Exxon and the like)
- Any front operations for oil and gas
- Business associations
- Political campaigns
- Political parties
- Credit card companies
- Pro-University of Alabama aligned organizations
Truthfully, our ideal model is to pool together enough resources – largely raised from small donations – to maintain a small, local beat reporting newsroom who can keep us moving forward. Those donations in no way influence our editorial principles and judgment – they protect it. You can donate here, if you’re so inclined.
Our community.
We are South Louisiana. We are writers. Activists. Everyday citizens.
Our readers are a vibrant community of thinkers and doers who believe a better South Louisiana – and Louisiana, overall – is possible.
Supporting our work.
Bayou Progressive is a US registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization #20-3368194. Your donation is tax-deductible. Please pitch in, we can’t do it without you.