The Nevada Independent
The Nevada Independent is a nonprofit, digital-only newspaper covering Nevada based in the Las Vegas area. In addition to general interest stories, The Indy specializes in government and politics journalism and reports year-round on the state government, the biennial meetings of the Nevada Legislature, county commissions and municipalities.
According to Form 990 tax filings with the IRS, The Indy received 76. 54% of its funding from public support in 2023, a slight decrease from 79.14% in 2022.
History
The foundation under which The Indy operates was founded in 2010, but revived in 2016, by Elizabeth Thompson alongside political analyst and commentator Jon Ralston. It began with a staff of seven. According to its 2023 tax filings, it now has a staff of 31.Ralston and Thompson cited a need for independent news coverage in the context of major changes in Nevada.
These changes included the retirement of Party leaders of [the United States Senate|U. S. Senate Majority Leader] Harry Reid of Nevada and major political influencer in the state. Along with political power shifts as a result, there was a major consolidation of news media in Nevada including the controversial and at-first secretive 2015 purchase of the Las Vegas Review-Journal by casino billionaire and ardent Donald Trump supporter Sheldon Adelson along with the decades-long decline of the Las Vegas Sun, the only other daily newspaper in the Las Vegas Valley.
The founding board and editorial team included journalists such as List of [CBS television affiliates (by U.S. state)|CBS-affiliate] KLAS-TV's news anchor Paula Francis and news division head Bob Stoldal as well as the Las Vegas Review-Journal columnist John L. Smith.
The Indy has expanded its newsroom over time, adding coverage areas such as health care, education, environment, and gaming.
In 2024, the outlet also began a formal content-sharing agreement with the Associated Press and KUNR in partnership with the University of Nevada, Reno.
The Indy hosts public engagement fundraising events including IndyTalks featuring discussion-format, on-stage interviews and an annual policy conference known as Indy Fest. Both events feature elected officials, businesspeople, and other prominent community members.