Noozhawk Managing Editor Giana Magnoli talks about the rise of Noozhawk and its future as an online news platform for Santa Barbara County, in the latest episode of Santa Barbara Talks with Josh Molina.
“We went from a start-up, filling a need, to becoming a full-service news organization for the county,” Magnoli said. “We cover basically every city council, we check on all the school boards. We have really grown to be that daily news source.
In this podcast, Magnoli talks about her start as a news reporter and growing the company’s presence in the community. She talks about her role as reporter and managing editor, and how Noozhawk covers government, business, news and sports.
She also opens up about her journey, growing up in San Jose, going to Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, and then arriving at Noozhawk.
This podcast offers a rare window into the inner-workings of Noozhawk, and one of its brightest stars.
Among the highlights:
1:26: The role Noozhawk plays in the local media landscape
3:32: Why Giana chose Noozhawk over other options
5:05: Giana talks original team, Lara Cooper, Noozhawk’s beginnings on Gutierrez Street
6:30: Early feelings on working for just-launched startup 9:05: Josh talks working at the San Jose Mercury News and living at the Extended Stay for 6 months
9:40: Giana explains what life was like growing up in Silicon Valley
16:30: Giana talks Noozhawk’s legacy projects, including her series on opioid addiction in Santa Barbara and District Elections series
20:19: How Noozhawk changed during the COVID-19 pandemic
29:04: Challenges of being a woman in journalism: Hint: (no one tries to hug Josh)
32:33: What Noozhawk does well and its growth areas
39:53: How Giana responds to story takedown request and headline, copy changes after publication
47:49: Giana explains why Noozhawk does not endorse candidates
49:49: Giana talks about her goals at Noozhawk and as a journalist
Check out and subscribe to Josh Molina’s podcast by clicking here. You can also visit his Website, SantaBarbaraTalks.com