Hy-Lo News: Expanding Impact with Pivot Fund Support

At The Pivot Fund, we believe in supporting hyperlocal news organizations that authentically serve their communities. That’s why we’re proud to invest in Hy-Lo News, a digital publication that has been filling a critical media gap in South Florida since 2015. By centering Black and Brown Millennial voices, Hy-Lo News provides the coverage and cultural storytelling that traditional media often overlook.

Hy-Lo News founder and CEO, Janey Tate, understands the power of community-driven journalism. “Hy-Lo News is proud to serve our community in this way and will continue to stand in the gap where traditional media fails to cover our stories,” she said. “With this investment from The Pivot Fund, we’re able to realize our goals of providing more comprehensive and impactful news for South Florida Millennials.”

Tate said that Pivot Fund dollars have already been used to hire a videographer and increase the hours and pay of the company’s managing editor. The organization also plans to expand its revenue team.

The Hy-Lo Playbook for Community-Centered Journalism

Expanding Community Impact

Hy-Lo News is more than a news site—it’s a trusted space for connection, dialogue, and advocacy. From highlighting grassroots initiatives to amplifying the work of emerging Black entrepreneurs, Hy-Lo ensures that local changemakers have a platform to share their voices.

“We don’t just tell stories—we amplify voices,” Tate explained. “Our platform serves as a bridge between our readers and the local leaders shaping their communities.”

Tip for Publishers: Build relationships with community leaders and organizations. Become a go-to source for stories that directly impact your audience. Collaborate with local activists, small business owners, and creatives to showcase their work.

Providing Accessible Elections Coverage

During the last election cycle, Hy-Lo News made sure that Millennials and Gen Z voters in South Florida had the information they needed to make informed decisions. They broke down policies, explained candidate positions, and shared voter registration deadlines in an engaging, accessible format.

“Politics affects everything from housing to jobs, yet young Black and Brown voters often feel overlooked,” Tate said. “We’re making sure our audience has the information they need to show up, vote, and advocate for their communities.”

Tip for Publishers: Make political coverage engaging by connecting policies to everyday experiences—like rent increases, job security, and healthcare. Partner with civic groups to host voter Q&As or publish easy-to-digest election guides.

Spotlighting Economic & Business Growth

Hy-Lo News has been instrumental in showcasing the economic landscape of South Florida’s Black and Brown communities. From profiling Black-owned businesses to covering financial literacy initiatives, the publication highlights the entrepreneurial spirit that drives local economic growth.

“The success of Black and Brown businesses is crucial to our community’s overall success,” Tate said. “When we support our entrepreneurs, we build generational wealth and strengthen our local economy.”

Tip for Publishers: Feature stories about entrepreneurship and economic mobility. Partner with financial experts to offer practical advice on credit building, homeownership, and small business funding opportunities.

Amplifying Culture & Community Stories

Hy-Lo News celebrates the vibrancy of Black and Brown life in South Florida. Whether covering local artists, cultural events, or stories of everyday people making a difference, they challenge negative stereotypes and showcase joy, resilience, and creativity.

“Our community is full of rich culture and powerful stories,” Tate said. “We refuse to let traditional media define who we are. We tell our own stories, our way.”

Tip for Publishers: Prioritize cultural storytelling alongside hard news. Engage with artists, musicians, and creatives in your area to highlight the richness of your community’s identity. Host community storytelling events or showcase local talent in your coverage.

The Impact of Pivot Fund Support

With a $150,000 investment from The Pivot Fund, Hy-Lo News is scaling up its newsroom and deepening its impact. This funding will allow them to:

Hire a full-time editor to guide editorial strategy
Bring on a full-time reporter to expand local coverage
Increase freelance contributions to ensure more diverse perspectives
Upgrade their website and technology to better serve a growing digital audience

“This funding will help us expand our coverage, amplify more voices, and strengthen our community connections,” Tate said. “It’s about ensuring that our readers have access to the news and information they need to take action in their communities.”

Looking Ahead

Hy-Lo News is proof that community-driven journalism works. Its model provides a roadmap for other newsrooms looking to grow sustainably while making a lasting impact. With The Pivot Fund’s support, Hy-Lo News is building the infrastructure needed to expand its reach and strengthen its role as a vital news source in South Florida.

As they continue their journey, we’re excited to see Hy-Lo News evolve. When communities have the power to tell their own stories, everyone benefits.

See our previous blog on Hy-Lo uses strategic partnerships to flesh out election coverage.