The Star Tribune Media Company, the largest news organization in the Midwest, announced today that it has launched Strib Voices, a new hub for opinion content from across Minnesota. With a new approach to commentary and editorials, Strib Voices also brings forward a robust new slate of contributing columnists that represent a diversity of perspectives and backgrounds. These exciting changes come under the leadership of award-winning editorial writer and two-time Pulitzer Prize finalist Phillip Morris.
“At a time when many media platforms are cutting back or shying away from opinion journalism, the Star Tribune is going in a very different direction,” said Phil Morris, vice president and Opinion editor for the Minnesota Star Tribune. “We believe that now more than ever, amplifying the voices that reflect our state, in all its complexities, will increase understanding and create the most dynamic conversation that’s ever existed about this place we all call home.”
Leaning into amplifying individual voices in new ways, Strib Voices will use new mediums and tools to give audiences a clearer picture of the perspectives of their neighbors and leaders. The Star Tribune Editorial Board will remain an important part of the media company, and its members will lean into using their individual voices in column writing. The board will also offer its collective perspectives at important moments for the state. Additionally, a new approach to election coverage by the board will seek to highlight issues rather than endorsements, and elevate candidate commentaries in major political races.
To learn more about the vision for Strib Voices and the future of the Star Tribune’s opinion coverage, read Morris’ latest column.
Personifying this approach to lean heavily into individual voice is the new leadership role of community engagement director, which veteran reporter Kavita Kumar assumed in a promotion earlier this year. Kumar is leading a proactive effort to solicit and feature commentary pieces and content from Minnesotans across the geographic, demographic and political spectrum. In addition to this outreach every day, Kumar has amassed an impressive slate of contributing voices including the following personalities, listed below.
“I’m really excited to regularly feature the voices from this talented group of writers and experts in the Star Tribune,” said Kumar. “We selected this initial group of contributing columnists with the aim of finding people with fresh insights and diverse perspectives that can challenge and enlighten our readers. We will continue to grow and evolve this initiative, so this is just the start.”
Andy Brehm – A conservative perspective
Andy Brehm is a resident of Saint Paul and lifelong Minnesotan. He has been a fixture in Twin Cities public affairs commentary for nearly 20 years, contributing a conservative voice to opinion pages and appearing on local radio and television with frequency, including as a regular panelist on KSTP's At Issue and TPT's Almanac.
Aaron Brown – Modern life on the Iron Range
Aaron J. Brown is a columnist from the Iron Range, an author of books and essays, and a communication instructor at Minnesota North College in Hibbing. He was raised in a trailer house on a local junkyard and is the first in five generations of his family to never work in an iron mine. He lives down a dirt road on the western Mesabi with his wife and three sons.
Sheletta Brundidge – Aiming to make you laugh and think
Sheletta Brundidge is an Emmy award-winning comedian and radio host. Aware of the serious lack of diversity in traditional media and frustrated by her own inability to find a seat at the table, she decided to build her own. In 2020 Brundidge created SHElettaMakesMeLaugh, a podcast, promotions and production company.
Clemon Dabney – All things cannabis
Clemon Dabney III is an accomplished scientist and entrepreneur with a Ph.D. in cannabis Molecular Genetics and Genomics from the University of Minnesota. As the CEO of Doctor Dabs, a leading Minnesota-based company specializing in hemp-derived edible manufacturing, Clemon plays a pivotal role in the industry. He also serves as the chief science officer for Uniflora Holistics, which own Retro Bakery and Love is an Ingredient.
Angela Denker – From religion and politics to parenting and everyday life
Rev. Angela Denker is an ELCA Lutheran pastor and veteran journalist. Her first book, “Red State Christians,” was the 2019 Silver Foreword Indies award-winner for political and social sciences. She has written for many publications, including Sports Illustrated, The Washington Post and FORTUNE magazine, and has appeared on CNN, BBC, SkyNews and NPR to share her research on politics and Christian nationalism in the U.S.
Maggie Koerth – Nature in Minnesota’s urban areas
Maggie Koerth is an award-winning science writer who has covered the intersection of science and society for publications such as FiveThirtyEight.com, The New York Times Magazine, and UnDark Magazine. She is the editorial lead for CarbonPlan, a research nonprofit focused on increasing transparency and accountability for climate solutions. She appears regularly on NPR’s “Science Friday.”
Sharon McMahon – Government and civic engagement
After years of serving as a high school government and law teacher, Sharon McMahon took her passion for education to Instagram, where more than a million people (who affectionately call themselves “Governerds”) rely on her for nonpartisan, fact-based information as “America's Government Teacher.” In a time where flashy headlines and false information often take the spotlight, McMahon is a reliable source for truth and logic.
Anton Treuer – Native American histories, cultures and issues
Anton Treuer is professor of Ojibwe at Bemidji State University and author of many books. His equity, education and cultural work has put him on a path of service around the nation and the world.
Ka Vang – Historically marginalized communities
Ka Vang is a proud Hmong American writer, playwright and author who grew up in the Twin Cities. Born on a CIA military base in Laos at the end of the Vietnam War, Vang immigrated to the United States in 1980, growing up in the Frogtown neighborhood of St. Paul. Currently, she is the VP of Equity, Inclusion, Diversity and Access for Meet Minneapolis.
Hamse Warfa – Global affairs, leadership, politics and workforce development
Hamse Warfa served as a presidential appointee to the U.S. State Department and is currently serving in the 2024 Harris-Walz campaign. He is a former deputy commissioner of the Minnesota Department and Employment and Economic Development. Warfa’s second book, “The Transformational Leader: Twelve Practices for Driving Lasting Changing,” will be published in September.
Andrew Zimmern – Food, culture and social justice
Andrew Zimmern is an Emmy-winning and four-time James Beard Award-winning TV personality, chef, writer and passionate global citizen. As the creator, executive producer and host of the Bizarre Foods franchise, Andrew Zimmern’s Driven by Food, What’s Eating America, Emmy-nominated Family Dinner, Wild Game Kitchen and the Emmy-winning The Zimmern List, he has devoted his life to exploring and promoting cultural acceptance, tolerance and understanding through food.
About Star Tribune Media Company:
Building on an extraordinary 157-year legacy that includes seven Pulitzer Prizes and hundreds of other awards, the Star Tribune Media Company is the Midwest’s largest news organization and is an unrivaled force for journalistic excellence in Minnesota. The Star Tribune has a vision to create the leading model for local news in America — driving innovation in media to make every Minnesotan’s life better. For more information, visit www.startribunecompany.com.
Comments
No comments on this item Please log in to comment by clicking here