A Note from the Founder: Why I Started Miss Reporter News

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3–4 minutes

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Siona Chibber, Founder

The idea emerged after a newsroom experience that made me think more critically about the kinds of stories that I wanted to tell. While many newsrooms emphasize fast-paced reporting and traditional formats, I found myself drawn to work that allowed space for narrative storytelling, reflection and multimedia elements. In conversations with other young women interested in literary journalism, I realized that many of us were searching for a similar space online, one where reporting and storytelling could coexist. That shared interest ultimately inspired me to take initiative in creating it. 

As a student of literary journalism, I often found myself drawn to reporting that blended narrative storytelling with traditional journalism. Many publications, however, separate these approaches. For example, literary magazines tend to focus on narrative writing, while newsrooms prioritize concise reporting and strict formats. I wanted to create a space where these forms could exist together, allowing writers to report deeply while also experimenting with narrative voice, multimedia storytelling and long-form structure. 

I wanted to create a work environment where women would not have to navigate the double standards that often accompany professional life: balancing motherhood, caregiving and other responsibilities while still being expected to appear legitimate as journalists. Instead, Miss Reporter News is designed as a collaborative digital newsroom where writers and editors from around the world can contribute remotely, creating a space that spans time zones and backgrounds while allowing contributors to balance life outside of the publication. 

Writers at Miss Reporter News are encouraged to pitch ambitious ideas and deepen their reporting by incorporating narrative elements such as scene, voice and immersive storytelling while remaining grounded in strong journalistic standards.  

What began as a search for a literary journalism community beyond my undergraduate major gained momentum after an online interest form revealed demand for an all-women’s publication incorporating multimedia storytelling. 

Miss Reporter News exists to explore what happens when journalism and literary storytelling exist in the same newsroom. While traditional news reporting often prioritizes speed and structure, literary journalism allows space for narrative, reflection and deeper engagement with a story. This publication was founded on the belief that these two approaches do not need to be separated. Instead, they can work together to create journalism that is both rigorous and deeply human. 

What makes this publication different is its commitment to experimentation and collaboration. Writers are encouraged not only to report on stories but also to explore how those stories are told, whether through narrative reporting, creative nonfiction, multimedia storytelling or interviews that highlight women’s lived experiences. By bringing together emerging writers and experienced storytellers in the same newsroom, the publication creates space for learning, mentorship and creative risk-taking. 

Miss Reporter News is growing, but its purpose remains clear: to create a space where women journalists can report thoughtfully, experiment with storytelling and collaborate across experiences and borders. As the newsroom expands, so too will the stories it tells, stories that reflect the depth, creativity and impact of women around the world. 

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