A Ledger status update — and links to our best work
Newsletter continues to grow, thanks to you. Keep sending ideas and feedback, and spread the word.
Good morning! Today is Wednesday, July 3, 2019.
Need to subscribe? Sign up for free here (charlotteledger.substack.com).
A very special letter from the publisher
Hey, Ledger subscribers. Tony here.
With the Fourth of July weekend almost here, we’re breaking from the usual newsletter format today to provide you with a brief update on the Ledger — and to showcase some of our best work from the last three months.
In short, it is going well. Since the Ledger’s start in March, people have responded to the idea that Charlotte needs a digital publication that focuses on real, important and interesting local business news and analysis. Charlotte is a big, dynamic city. It is growing and changing. It deserves more local, reliable media coverage — not less.
The aim is to provide a mix of original reporting, analysis and a round-up of top local stories in a way that is lively and entertaining and that respects your time and intelligence.
Scoops, trends, accountability: In the last three months, the Ledger has broken news (it was first to report, for instance, the sale of Hall Family Farm to Novant, a Fortune 1000 company moving its HQ to Charlotte and Amelie’s bakery possibly relocating from its original NoDa spot, among other scoops). We’ve been ahead of the curve in exploring trends, such as the expansion of office space and the growth in local tech workers. We’ve sought and published public records that revealed, for example, how UNC Charlotte officials were caught off-guard by news of the Atrium-Wake Forest med school. And we’ve challenged companies and officials when they’re wrong, whether it is truth-stretching claims from Morris-Jenkins radio ads or county officials asserting, incorrectly, that no local organizations make business loans of under $50,000 to justify a new government program.
Gracias, merci, arigato: Thank you for signing up. And thank you to those of you who have passed along tips, encouragement and advice. The Ledger’s subscriber list is growing like gangbusters, and that’s because of people like you.
There will be more exciting developments to announce in the months ahead. I’ll share those at the appropriate time.
If you like what you’re reading here, here’s how you can help:
Ideas. I can dream up interesting ideas all day long. But the best ideas come from people outside of my bubble who see and hear things or who wonder about something they’ve heard. Consider yourself part of a network of news-gatherers. What have you seen locally that’s interesting? What do people not know that they should? Feel free to pass along tips, even anonymously. You can reply to this email or to any Ledger email.
Feedback. Let me know what you think. What did you like? What did you not like? Email to editor@cltledger.com.
Spread the word. If you have friends or coworkers who would appreciate regular emails with the latest local business news, tell them about the Ledger. Forward the emails. Share on social media. Word is spreading, and recommendations are a big help.
Again, many thanks.
Also, because the Ledger has grown so rapidly, many of you might have missed some of our original work from our early weeks. Here are a few of the most popular Ledger articles from March, April and May:
The real Quail Hollow drama takes place in 2 mansions (May 6). Pittenger vs. Lebda in probably the most-discussed Ledger article ever.
Who local bigwigs are backing for president (April 22). Public records show who’s backing Bernie, Beto, Trump and other candidates.
Why liquor from the ABC store costs so much (March 20). Seems like an appropriate piece for Fourth of July weekend.
College acceptance rates are falling — here’s what to do (April 24). Local admissions expert with advice on navigating college applications.
John Boy & Billy, hip-hop radio lead local FCC complaints (May 31). Freedom of Information Act reveals local residents’ pet peeves about Charlotte TV and radio.
South End office construction is absolutely on fire (May 29). Figures from JLL, and an interview with a local expert, show which areas of Charlotte are booming the most.
Podcasts and streaming music are wounding Charlotte radio (May 13). Local radio ratings are down, while podcast popularity takes off.
The full Ledger archive, organized by date, is available here.
Happy Fourth. There will be no Ledger on Friday. Back Monday. Thanks.
— Tony
Got a news tip? Think we missed something? Drop me a line at editor@cltledger.com and let me know.
Like what we are doing? Feel free to forward this along and to tell a friend.
The Charlotte Ledger is an e-newsletter and web site publishing timely, informative, and interesting local business news and analysis Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, except holidays and as noted. We strive for fairness and accuracy and will correct all known errors. The content reflects the independent editorial judgment of The Charlotte Ledger. Any advertising, paid marketing, or sponsored content will be clearly labeled.
The Charlotte Ledger is published by Tony Mecia, an award-winning former Charlotte Observer business reporter and editor. He lives in Charlotte with his wife and three children.