Why are we doing this?

After two decades covering Washington's corridors of power for major journalism institutions, and a few days after the 2024 election, I reached a crossroads faced by many in the industry today: the decision to walk away.

My name is Heidi Przybyla, and I am the founder of Get Real. You may know me from my reporting at NBC News, POLITICO, or USA Today. I've broken stories that changed presidential campaigns, exposed dark money networks shaping our Supreme Court, and spent years documenting how policy decisions in Washington impact communities like the one where I grew up in Dearborn Heights, Michigan.

But here's why I left: The current system is broken. Too many communities have been left behind by a media system that incentivizes big journalism to serve the powerful instead of the people. Too many Americans live in news deserts where local newspapers have closed, and where they are fed a constant diet of misleading and sensationalized content.

As Bruce Springsteen recently said, "When institutions fail, it's time to take it to the people." That's exactly what we're doing with Get Real News—America's first grassroots newsroom. We're not just another news outlet. We're building a bridge between credible journalism and the communities that need it most.

We're proving that quality journalism doesn't have to be trapped behind paywalls or confined to coastal newsrooms, and we’re just getting started.

This isn't about replacing traditional journalism—it's about expanding it. We're showing how the core values of accuracy, fairness, and public service can thrive in new formats and reach new audiences. We're proving that Americans are hungry for quality information delivered by people they trust and that we can serve as a force multiplier for the best watchdog journalism being produced by independent media. We're demonstrating that communities can come together to support the journalism they need.

Your Role

This isn't something we can do alone. Democracy requires active participation, and that includes supporting independent journalism.

The stakes have never been higher. We're living through a crisis of trust in American institutions. Misinformation spreads faster than wildfire, while quality journalism struggles to reach the people who need it most.

Local newspapers continue to close, leaving entire communities without reliable information about their schools, their local government, or their economic future.
But we also live in a moment of unprecedented opportunity. Technology has given us tools to rebuild journalism from the ground up, to create direct connections between reporters and communities, and to ensure that information flows to everyone—not just those who can afford premium subscriptions.

The future of journalism isn't in the hands of media corporations or tech billionaires. It's in the hands of people like you—people who believe that quality information should be accessible to everyone, and that local voices deserve to be heard.

Here's how you can help:

Become a Financial Supporter:

Your contributions—whether $5, $50 or $5,000—help us maintain our independence and expand our reach to more communities.

Join as a Community Creator:

We're looking for local voices who can serve as trusted messengers in their communities. Whether you're a teacher, small business owner, or community activist, there's a place for you in our network.

Help Us Crowdsource the News:

You know your community better than any Washington reporter. Share your stories, your concerns, and your insights. Help us understand what matters most to you and your neighbors. Contact us and info@getrealnews.org.