News Summary
Laura Leslie has been named the new editor of NC Newsline in Raleigh, North Carolina, as part of an effort to enhance policy-focused journalism. With over two decades of experience in political journalism, Leslie aims to strengthen coverage of North Carolina politics. She takes over from Rob Schofield, who retired after eight years. Leslie will officially start her role in late September following her tenure at WRAL.
Raleigh, North Carolina – Laura Leslie Named New Editor at NC Newsline
In a move aimed at strengthening coverage of North Carolina politics, Laura Leslie has been appointed as the new editor of NC Newsline. Leslie’s appointment comes as part of an effort to expand policy-focused journalism within the organization, which is part of the larger nonprofit news network, States Newsroom.
Background and Career Highlights
Leslie has spent over two decades in political journalism, primarily in North Carolina. She served as the capitol bureau chief at WRAL, the Triangle’s NBC affiliate, for fourteen years. During her tenure there, she led the launch of a multimedia platform called NC Capitol, which was the first initiative of its kind by a television station in the United States dedicated solely to political coverage. This innovative project aimed to provide real-time political news and in-depth analysis to North Carolinians.
Before her role at WRAL, Leslie was the capitol bureau chief at WUNC, a public radio station, for seven years. Her work there included writing a highly regarded political blog, Isaac Hunter’s Tavern, which garnered attention for its insightful analysis of state politics and policy issues. Throughout her career, Leslie has received several awards, including an Emmy and recognition from the Associated Press and the Radio Television Digital News Association of the Carolinas. Her work has also earned her a spot among the top political reporters nationally, as ranked by The Washington Post.
Transition to NC Newsline
Leslie takes over the role of editor at NC Newsline following the retirement of Rob Schofield in August, who served as the organization’s editor for eight years. Leslie’s first official day at NC Newsline will be September 29, 2025, after her last working day at WRAL on September 5, 2025.
About NC Newsline and Its Mission
NC Newsline is a nonprofit news organization headquartered in Chapel Hill and Washington, D.C. It is part of States Newsroom, the largest state-focused nonprofit news organization in the country, with reporters covering all fifty state capitals and the federal capital, Washington, D.C. The organization was established to expand policy-related coverage, particularly as traditional media outlets have faced financial challenges leading to reduced political reporting.
NC Newsline evolved from its predecessor, N.C. Policy Watch, which was operated by the North Carolina Justice Center—a nonprofit anti-poverty advocacy group—until the ownership transfer to States Newsroom in March 2023. Since then, the organization has sought to broaden its reach and journalistic scope, aiming to provide comprehensive coverage of state policies and governance issues.
Funding and Organizational Structure
States Newsroom employs more than 220 full-time journalists across the United States. Its financial model is characterized by support from individual donors and foundations, with contributions from two unidentified donors accounting for over 85% of income in 2022 and 2023. The organization emphasizes its nonprofit status by not charging subscriptions or selling advertising space and relies largely on philanthropic support.
Major donors include wealthy individuals and foundations, notably the Wyss Foundation, founded by Hansjorg Wyss. However, detailed information about specific donors remains undisclosed. This funding structure enables NC Newsline to focus on independent journalism centered on public interest issues without commercial pressures.
Additional Context
In recent years, several former WRAL journalists have left the station for various opportunities. Notable names include Gilbert Baez, Debra Morgan, and Jeff Hogan, illustrating a shift of experienced reporters within the North Carolina journalism landscape.
As Leslie prepares to assume her new role, experts and industry observers highlight her extensive knowledge of North Carolina politics, which will be instrumental in meeting NC Newsline’s goal of enhancing policy coverage. Her appointment reflects an ongoing effort by nonprofit news organizations to fill gaps left by declining traditional media outlets and to ensure the public remains informed on critical state and national issues.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Laura Leslie Appointed Editor of NC Newsline
Additional Resources
- NC Newsline: Laura Leslie Named Editor
- News Observer: Warm TV Blog
- Business NC: Top WRAL Reporter Moves
- NC Newsline: National Attention on Sea Level Rise
- Business NC: Category Overview
- Wikipedia: Journalism
- Google Search: North Carolina politics
- Google Scholar: Nonprofit journalism
- Encyclopedia Britannica: News
- Google News: North Carolina
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RALEIGH STAFF WRITER The RALEIGH STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERERaleigh.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Raleigh, Wake County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the North Carolina State Fair, Raleigh Arts Festival, and the Hopscotch Music Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Raleigh Chamber of Commerce and Visit Raleigh, plus leading businesses in technology and education that power the local economy such as Red Hat and NC State University. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAsheville.com, HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, and HEREOBX.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
