Range Media
RANGE Media
Website: rangemedia.co
Founded: 2020
Location: Spokane, Washington
Contact: team@rangemedia.co
Social Media: Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn
Mission
RANGE Media is an independent, worker-owned newsroom dedicated to serving the Inland Northwest. Their mission is to build an anti-racist, equity-minded, class-focused newsroom that spotlights the perspectives and expertise of marginalized communities from the ground up.
Vision
RANGE aims to refocus news in the Inland Northwest toward the needs of ordinary people by cultivating complex conversations, expanding moral imagination, and holding the powerful accountable. They strive to provide action-oriented journalism that serves people where they are and equips everyone with the tools to demand better.
Organizational Structure
RANGE is owned by the Spokane Workers Cooperative, meaning all RANGE employees are worker-owners of the news outlet. This structure ensures democratic management and independence, allowing journalists to direct the organization's growth in ways that best support their beats and the community they serve.
History
RANGE began as a personal project and podcast by founder Luke Baumgarten in April 2020. Recognizing a need for local, independent journalism, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic and social unrest, Luke expanded RANGE into a full-fledged newsroom. In January 2022, Valerie Osier joined as Audience and Membership Editor, and by June, the team had hired its first full-time reporter.
Coverage Areas
RANGE covers a variety of topics relevant to the Inland Northwest, including:
- Civics
- Housing
- Government
- Politics
- Education
- Environment
- LGBTQIA2S+ issues
- Transportation
- Labor
- Healthcare
- Faith & Politics
- Criminal Legal System
- Arts & Culture
Programs and Initiatives
Inland Northwest Documenters
This program trains and pays community members to attend and document public governance meetings and civic events. The goal is to increase transparency and civic engagement by making information about local government more accessible.
Podcast
RANGE produces a podcast that delves into various topics affecting the Inland Northwest, providing in-depth analysis and conversations with community members and experts.
Team
- Luke Baumgarten – Founder & Publisher
- Valerie Osier – Managing Editor
- Erin Sellers – City Hall & Politics Reporter
- Aaron Hedge – Reporter
- Sophia Mattice-Aldous – Murrow Fellow Reporter
- Pascal Bostic – Producer
Regular contributors include:
- Lauren Pangborn – Urbanism Columnist
- Daisy Zavala Magaña – Reporter
Support and Membership
RANGE is a reader-supported publication. Community members can support their work by becoming paid subscribers, starting at $10 per month or $100 per year. All content remains free and accessible to ensure that everyone, regardless of financial means, can stay informed.
Land Acknowledgment
RANGE acknowledges that their operations take place on the traditional lands of Indigenous peoples. They are committed to supporting Indigenous rights and sovereignty and strive to include Indigenous perspectives in their reporting.
