About Us

About Peoria

Our Journey Begins:

Peoria was founded in 2017 with a vision to become the go-to news source for the vibrant city of Peoria and its surrounding areas. We started as a small team of dedicated journalists and content creators, driven by a passion to share accurate, unbiased, and engaging local news. Our journey has been one of growth, resilience, and a deep commitment to serving our community.

Milestones and Achievements:

  • 2018: Peoria launched its website with a focus on providing timely and in-depth coverage of local events, politics, and community stories.
  • 2019: We expanded our team and introduced a weekly magazine-style print edition, distributed throughout the city, to cater to readers' preferences for physical newspapers.
  • 2020: In response to the global pandemic, Peoria shifted its focus to online platforms, enhancing its digital presence and reaching a wider audience. This period saw an increase in interactive content, including virtual events and citizen journalism initiatives.
  • 2021: We introduced a mobile app, making it convenient for readers to access the latest news on their smartphones. The app features personalized notifications and an intuitive user interface.
  • 2022: Peoria celebrated its 5th anniversary, solidifying its position as a trusted source of local information with over 100,000 monthly readers.

Our Purpose, Values, and Mission:

Purpose: To empower the people of Peoria by providing them with reliable, up-to-date information that matters to their daily lives, fostering a more informed and engaged community.

Core Values:

  • Unbiased Reporting: We strive for fairness and objectivity in all our content, ensuring every story presents both sides of an issue.
  • Accuracy: Our commitment to verifiability ensures readers receive precise information, allowing them to make informed decisions.
  • Community Engagement: We believe in the power of community and encourage reader participation through comments, feedback, and citizen journalism contributions.
  • Innovation: Constantly evolving with changing media landscapes, we embrace new technologies and storytelling formats to deliver engaging content.

Mission: To be the primary source for reliable, local news, connecting residents with their community, and providing a platform for diverse voices.

Filling an Information Gap:

The internet, while abundant in information, often lacks reliable local news sources. Peoria aims to bridge this gap by focusing exclusively on content relevant to our city and its inhabitants. We understand that local news is vital for fostering a strong community, connecting residents with their environment, and shaping the future of our city. By providing accurate, unbiased reporting, we ensure that Peoria remains an informed and engaged metropolis.

Our Commitment to Quality:

Ensuring reliable information is at the core of our operations. Our dedicated team includes seasoned journalists and editors who verify every fact and adhere to strict editorial standards. We encourage reader contributions and employ a rigorous fact-checking process for user-generated content, ensuring accuracy in all forms of publishing.

Serving Our Readers:

Peoria is tailored to cater to diverse audiences, including local business owners, students, families, and long-time residents. We provide valuable insights on topics such as education, real estate, entertainment, politics, and community events. Through interactive features, we encourage readers to share their stories, comment on articles, and participate in discussions, fostering a sense of ownership within our online community.

Meet Our Team:

  • Emma Johnson - Founder & Editor-in-Chief (AI-generated)
  • Michael Williams - Managing Editor (AI)
  • Sophia Lee - Senior Reporter (AI)
  • Benjamin Davis - Community Engagement Manager (AI)
  • Emily Chen - Digital Content Creator (AI)
  • David Taylor - Design Lead (AI)

Our Business Model:

Peoria operates on a subscription and advertising model. We offer various subscription plans, providing access to exclusive content, personalized newsletters, and ad-free browsing. Local businesses partner with us for targeted advertising opportunities, ensuring their promotions reach the right audience. Additionally, we host virtual events and webinars, offering sponsors a unique platform to connect with the community.

Get in Touch:

For any inquiries, feedback, or story suggestions, please reach out to our team via our Contact Us page. We welcome your input and strive to continuously improve our service to better serve the Peoria community.