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 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 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.