Graham Watson-Ringo landed her first journalism job at 16, started her career as a sports reporter and later became managing editor of the San Antonio Report, when Knight Foundation named her one of the 14 local news leaders who are a shining example to the field. Most recently, she served as Vice President of Growth at News Revenue Hub, where she helped newsrooms develop strategies for engaging audiences, raising revenue and stabilizing their operations.

Now, she is joining Press Forward as our new Grantee Engagement and Support Manager. In this new role, she will work with our grantees, connecting them with ideas, people and organizations that can help them ensure their long-term sustainability.

Watson-Ringo officially joins Press Forward on Jan. 21. Here’s a little more about her life and work.

Q: What got you interested in journalism as a career?

GWR: I’ve loved journalism since I was young. At 12, I wrote my first query letter (though it wasn’t accepted), and by 16, I was working as an agate clerk at the San Bernardino Sun. Armed with an X-ACTO knife, a pica pole, a green-screen computer, and a wax board, I dove into the craft. It wasn’t glamorous—calling tennis coaches on their landlines at 10 p.m. on a Wednesday to track down match scores was tough—but I loved every moment. That early experience confirmed my passion for journalism and set me on the path to a lifelong career in the field.

Q: What excites you about the future of local news?

GWR: Local news is the heartbeat of our communities, connecting us to the stories that shape our daily lives. Whether it’s the score of the high school football game, news about a new development at the town’s busiest intersection, crime updates, or celebrations of life events like weddings and achievements, local news keeps us informed and engaged. It’s encouraging to see people recognize its value and invest in it.

What excites me most is how local news is adapting to meet readers where they are—with newsletters, text alerts, and social media posts putting essential information directly in their hands. While the way we deliver news continues to evolve, the need for local news remains constant, and I’m excited to see how it continues to innovate to serve communities better.

Q: What’s the biggest insight you learned over the past few years that you will bring to your work at Press Forward?

GWR: There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to delivering news. Over the past few years, I’ve seen news organizations embrace innovative business models tailored to meet their communities where they are. From creating WhatsApp groups to launching quarterly print publications, they’re shifting focus from simply driving traffic to a website to capturing attention in an increasingly crowded space.

The key insight is that the role of journalism has evolved—it’s no longer about telling people what’s important, but about asking them what’s important and responding to their needs. News organizations are rising to the challenge by delivering relevant, community-centered content that keeps audiences engaged. I’m excited to bring this adaptive mindset to my work at Press Forward, helping organizations navigate these shifts and better serve their communities.

Q: What do you expect to focus on in your first six months on the job?

GWR: In my first six months, I’m eager to dive deep into understanding Press Forward’s grantees and how best to support their growth and sustainability. My focus will be on connecting newsrooms to resources that will help these organizations leverage their funding to build stronger foundations—whether that means turning $50,000 into $100,000 or $100,000 into $200,000.

I’m particularly excited about finding ways to equip grantees with the tools and strategies they need to grow their businesses and reduce their reliance on philanthropy. It’s not just about providing funds; it’s about empowering organizations to create lasting, self-sustaining impact in their communities.

Q: You live with your family in San Antonio. Where can we find you outside of work?

GWR: You’ll usually find us at the ball fields or soccer fields, cheering on our kids. They’re busy with sports, and we love being part of that. This time in their lives is so short, and I’m soaking up every moment.

When I’m not at a game, I’m probably binge-watching the latest Taylor Sheridan show, reading, crafting, exploring the country with my family, or spending time with our dogs. We love finding little adventures and enjoying the everyday moments together.

Learn more about Graham Watson-Ringo