Join

Reflecting on 15 Years of Potomac Local and the Future of Local News

Hey folks – Uriah Kiser here, founder and publisher of Potomac Local News.

Earlier this month, I had the privilege of joining the Prince William Committee of 100 at the Manassas Museum for a thoughtful discussion on the future of local news. Thank you to everyone who came out to support and take part in the conversation—it meant a lot.

It’s hard to believe, but this June marks 15 years since I launched Potomac Local News. This milestone would not be possible without you—our readers, members, and community partners—who trust us to keep you informed about the places we call home: Manassas, Woodbridge, Fredericksburg, and beyond. Over the years, we’ve seen incredible growth, challenges, and change—and it’s been my honor to report on it all.

What We Discussed

We were joined by several incredible voices in local journalism:

Bruce Potter of InsideNoVa emphasized that social media platforms aren’t local—they don’t send reporters to city council meetings, cover Little League games, or shine a light on neighborhood nonprofits. Local news organizations like ours do, and that boots-on-the-ground reporting matters more than ever.

Stephen Kent, a nationally known media commentator based in Manassas, shared behind-the-scenes insights on how the business of journalism is evolving. From Fox News to Al Jazeera, he’s seen it all and brought a wide lens to the conversation.

We also heard from the publisher of the Prince William Times, a reader-supported nonprofit weekly, who spoke about the power of community-funded journalism. Their model proves that when you give readers the content they care about, they’ll support it.

A Look Back

The event reminded me of another Committee of 100 conversation back in 2012, shortly after the closure of the News & Messenger, following the merger of the Potomac News and the Manassas Journal Messenger—papers that served eastern and western Prince William County for more than a century combined.

I worked at the News & Messenger and saw firsthand the decline: the layoffs, the loss of local printing in Woodbridge (especially hard around the holidays), and ultimately, the final edition in 2011. When printing was moved to Richmond, the “local” was pulled right out of the local paper—and eventually, the paper disappeared altogether.

It’s a story that underscores exactly why we do what we do at Potomac Local News. We’re here, in the community, for the community. Every single day.

Thank You

Thanks to Al Alborn for organizing this important event and keeping the conversation going more than a decade later. And thank you again to Mike Beaty for capturing some fantastic evening photos.

To learn more about the Prince William Committee of 100, visit pwc100.org or follow them at facebook.com/pwc100.

Here’s to 15 years of Potomac Local—and many more to come.

Thank you for your continued support.

– Uriah Kiser
Publisher, Potomac Local News

Recent Stories

The Haymarket Town Council voted Monday night to adopt the town’s Fiscal Year 2026 budget and set the new real estate tax rate, concluding weeks of deliberation that included resident impact assessments and internal reviews of capital priorities.

Area residents may notice a heavy presence of emergency vehicles and personnel along the Rappahannock River this weekend, but it’s not a real emergency—it’s a planned water rescue training exercise.

Stafford County leaders are preparing to take a major step toward easing long-standing regional traffic woes.

From summer rec vans to school matinees and a local counselor earning top honors, we’ve rounded up the events and features you don’t want to miss this week across Prince William, Stafford, and Fredericksburg.

The most anticipated night of the year is almost here! This Saturday, May 31, step into the romance, elegance, and charm of Paris—without ever leaving Washington, DC.

Join us for An Evening in Paris, an unforgettable soirĂ©e celebrating the best of French culture. Experience an immersive evening filled with gourmet French cuisine, refined wines, captivating live music, and the irresistible ambiance of the City of Light. Whether you’re a lifelong Francophile or simply love a night of sophistication, this is a celebration you won’t want to miss.

✨ Highlights of the evening include:

Read More

Submit your own Community Post here.

Your Weight Matters National Convention

Hosted by the Obesity Action Coalition (OAC) since 2012, this highly-anticipated gathering is the nation’s leading gathering focused on empowering individuals with science-based education, support and practical tools for managing weight and improving health.

This unique Convention truly has something

Van Metre 5K Run

Participate in the 33rd Annual Van Metre 5K Run—a race that goes further than 3.1 miles, where every stride you take supports Children’s National Hospital. The Van Metre 5K Run donates 100% of proceeds to Children’s National Hospital and has

Ă—

Subscribe to our mailing list