Melanie Sill
About
I'm a lifelong journalist. I've been a reporter, editor, news executive, and career-long explorer of journalism’s possibilities as a constructive force in democracy. Lately I've been posting on the need for US press accountability, and on how journalism (and especially local news) serves the public. I led the 2020 launch and first year of the nonprofit NC Local News Workshop at the Elon University School of Communications, where I also was a cofounder of the NC Open Government Coalition. I've worked to build support and connection for people working on local news in North Carolina, including the founding of the weekly NC Local newsletter.
As the top editor and news executive at The News & Observer of Raleigh, The Sacramento Bee and Southern California Public Radio/KPCC (and the first woman to hold each of those roles), I led content innovation and digital transformation with a focus on public service, diversity and inclusion and audience engagement. I directed and edited major projects and investigations including The N&O's Pulitzer-winning "Boss Hog" series. I'm working now on independent projects and as a mentor, cheerleader and volunteer board member for journalism and community projects.
