Our Initiatives

Bottom Up | Boston

Bottom Up | Boston is the country’s first solo-led creator newsroom designed to build the creator journalism ecosystem in Boston—an area that remains a “content desert” despite having a robust local news scene.

Impact

  • Broke the news of first ICE detention of a teenager in Milford, MA, with reporting reaching over 2 million views, surpassing engagement levels of many local news outlets.

  • Coverage of the MBTA’s new fare gates at South Station reached 200,000+ views, helping spark public conversation and changes to how the MBTA rolled out the new policy.

  • Led creator journalism workshops with students at Boston College, teaching the next generation of journalists how to create social-first reporting and build trust on social media.

  • Built an audience of 40,000+ followers across TikTok and Instagram, reaching 10M+ younger audiences who often do not engage with traditional local news.

Live streaming

Stuff you need to know

“Stuff You Need to Know” is a daily livestream show where Rahim Jessani goes live to talk about the most important local and national issues, bringing in experts, journalists, thought leaders, and community members to answer questions in real time.

Impact

  • Reached over 1 million people through livestreams, with an average audience of 1,000 viewers, primarily Gen Z.

  • Invited journalists and subject-matter experts onto the show to help rebuild trust in journalism and the scientific community.

  • Facilitated livestream discussions with the audience through live “office hours,” creating space for real-time questions and conversations.

Facts & Fortnite

“Facts & Fortnite'“ is an initiative focused on building trust in journalism and improving news literacy while livestreaming Fortnite, with the goal of keeping the attention of younger audiences who may not otherwise engage with traditional news.

Jessani with the founders of Esta Es La Cosa

Jessani with Chris Wink, Publisher of Technical.ly

Audience reactions to the Facts and Fortnite live stream show

Expert Opinion’s Podcast

The Expert Opinions Podcast is a three-season series designed to bridge the gap between experts and the public—creating a space where complex issues become accessible, understandable, and actionable.

Each episode features leading voices across industries—including academics, journalists, policymakers, researchers, and practitioners—who bring deep expertise on topics shaping our world, from politics and public policy to media, technology, and social issues.

What sets the podcast apart is its focus on direct, functional discourse. Instead of talking about people, the show brings audiences into the conversation—breaking down complicated ideas into clear, engaging discussions that prioritize clarity over jargon.

Across its three seasons, the podcast explores:

  • In-depth conversations with experts at the center of major issues

  • Real-world context that connects research and policy to everyday life

  • Diverse perspectives that challenge assumptions and expand understanding

  • Audience-first storytelling designed to educate, not overwhelm