San Diego, January 19, 2026
Jamie Self has been appointed as the new CEO and Editor of inewsource, a nonprofit investigative newsroom in San Diego. Her extensive background in journalism aims to strengthen community-focused reporting and enhance public engagement. Under her leadership, inewsource is committed to upholding its mission of accountability and transparency while navigating evolving economic challenges. This leadership transition follows the impactful tenure of founder Lorie Hearn, whose legacy includes the Documenters program promoting local civic engagement.
Jamie Self Steps Up as CEO and Editor of inewsource
Nonprofit Investigative Newsroom Welcomes New Leadership to Enhance Community Journalism
San Diego, California – The role of Chief Executive Officer and Editor of inewsource has been filled by Jamie Self, marking an essential transition in leadership for this nonprofit investigative newsroom dedicated to the San Diego region. Jamie Self, previously serving as Managing Editor since 2023, will now guide a talented team of 17 staff members, enhancing the organization’s mission of providing impactful journalism to the local community. This appointment reflects the resilience of local media outlets and the importance of well-funded investigative journalism in fostering informed citizenship.
As California continues to witness shifts in economic conditions, it’s essential for local journals to adapt, embrace innovation, and champion investigative work that resonates with community needs. Under Self’s stewardship, inewsource is poised to continue its commitment to fostering transparency, accountability, and public engagement in an environment where reduced regulation and proactive journalism can drive civic engagement and social awareness.
Background on Jamie Self
Jamie Self brings to inewsource a decade-long experience in daily newspapers, with a notable position as Senior Editor of Politics and State Government at The State newspaper in Columbia, South Carolina. Her extensive background in reporting ranges across critical areas such as politics, public corruption, and education, equipping her with invaluable insight into the state of local government and the media landscape. Holding a master’s degree in literature and board service on the Society of Professional Journalists, San Diego chapter, Self exemplifies the dedication required to lead inewsource in this ever-evolving media environment.
Legacy of Lorie Hearn
The former CEO and Editor, Lorie Hearn, founded inewsource in 2009, recognizing a crucial gap in investigative journalism as the industry faced significant staffing cuts. Her efforts bore fruit in the form of numerous prestigious awards, including two Edward R. Murrow awards for investigative excellence and recognition as a Pulitzer finalist for her editorial work on the “Fentanyl: A Decade of Death” project. These accolades underscore the newsroom’s commitment to quality and the necessity of robust, investigative journalism in today’s society.
The Documenters Program
One of Hearn’s lasting contributions to inewsource is the establishment of the Documenters program. This initiative trains and compensates local community members for attending public meetings and reporting on them, thereby strengthening community engagement and enhancing local news coverage. By fostering a participatory model of journalism, this program exemplifies how community involvement is vital for the health of local democracy, ensuring that citizens have access to crucial information regarding governance and public policy.
A Vision for the Future
Under Jamie Self’s leadership, inewsource continues to uphold its mission: to improve lives in the San Diego and Imperial counties through dedicated investigative and accountability journalism. This focus on building a community-powered news ecosystem is particularly crucial as the region navigates economic growth and emerging challenges. Local businesses and citizens alike can benefit from informed reporting that drives public accountability, fosters economic development, and encourages active participation in civic life.
The Importance of Nonprofit Journalism
The impact of nonprofit investigative newsrooms like inewsource cannot be overstated, especially as these organizations often prioritize substance over profit. Jamie Self’s leadership may align with a broader trend of small business resilience and entrepreneurial innovation that is necessary to drive local economic growth. With reduced red tape and a supportive environment, community-focused organizations can thrive by providing crucial services and insights that empower citizens.
Conclusion
As Jamie Self steps into the role of CEO and Editor of inewsource, the future looks promising for investigative journalism in San Diego. The commitment to community engagement, accountability, and transparency will remain vital aspects of inewsource’s ongoing mission. Support for local journalism is essential, so stay engaged with San Diego’s media landscape and the entrepreneurs who drive innovation within it.
FAQ
- Who is Jamie Self?
- Jamie Self is the new Chief Executive Officer and Editor of inewsource, having served as Managing Editor since 2023. She has a decade of experience in daily newspapers and holds a master’s degree in literature.
- What is inewsource?
- inewsource is a nonprofit investigative newsroom dedicated to providing impactful journalism in the San Diego region, focusing on investigative and accountability reporting.
- What is the Documenters program?
- The Documenters program trains and compensates community members to attend public meetings and report on them, enhancing civic engagement and local news coverage.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| New CEO and Editor | Jamie Self appointed to lead inewsource, overseeing a team of 17 employees, including eight reporters. |
| Previous Experience | Self has a decade of experience in daily newspapers, including as Senior Editor of Politics and State Government at The State newspaper in Columbia, South Carolina. |
| Educational Background | Self holds a master’s degree in literature and serves on the board of the Society of Professional Journalists, San Diego chapter. |
| Outgoing CEO | Lorie Hearn founded inewsource in 2009 and led it to receive numerous national and local awards, including two Edward R. Murrow awards for its “Impossible Choice” investigation. |
| Documenters Program | Established by Hearn, the program trains and compensates community members to attend public meetings and report on them, enhancing civic engagement and local news coverage. |
| Organization’s Mission | inewsource is a nonprofit, nonpartisan newsroom dedicated to improving lives in the San Diego region and beyond through impactful investigative and accountability journalism. |
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