Empowering Voices Through Innovative News Platforms with Sarah Alvarez

01/07/25 • 82 min

This week, Donna and Orlando sat down with Sarah Alvarez, the founder and editor-at-large of Outlier Media, to discuss their groundbreaking SMS System.

Sarah Alvarez, the visionary force behind Outlier Media, believes the best local reporting is a service that responds directly to community needs and reduces harm. In 2016, Outlier Media began as a “Txt Outlier” a texting service delivering critical information to Detroiters and allowing people to connect directly with a reporter.

As of today, this enhanced service allows their newsroom to better serve Detroiters, connecting them to information and resources they need in areas including housing, utilities, income support, employment, food and transportation.

Detroiters can text in at any time to get immediate, automated info, look up property details or get individual help. By texting “reporter” they can connect with an Outlier journalist, who may follow up with a phone conversation. The new system is more intuitive for users and improves internal workflows and communication.

For more information on Outlier Media and TXT Outlier, click here.

FOR HOT TAKES:

DETROIT LIONS CLINCH NUMBER ONE SEED AND WIN NFC NORTH AFTER BEATING MINNESOTA VIKINGS

INTERNAL DIVISIONS DOOM MICHIGAN DEMOCRATS IN THEIR FINAL DAYS OF LEGISLATIVE CONTROL

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This week, Donna and Orlando sat down with Sarah Alvarez, the founder and editor-at-large of Outlier Media, to discuss their groundbreaking SMS System.

For more information on Outlier Media and TXT Outlier, click here.

FOR HOT TAKES:

DETROIT LIONS CLINCH NUMBER ONE SEED AND WIN NFC NORTH AFTER BEATING MINNESOTA VIKINGS

INTERNAL DIVISIONS DOOM MICHIGAN DEMOCRATS IN THEIR FINAL DAYS OF LEGISLATIVE CONTROL

Support the show

Previous Episode

From Trees to Art: Detroit's Creative Renaissance with Brooke & Casey Oberg and Megan Kashat

This week, Donna and guest host Chase Cantrell sat down with the founders of Detroit Mulch, Brooke & Casey Oberg plus multi-talented artist, Megan Kashat.

Brooke and Casey started Detroit Mulch with the mission of recycling trees as sustainably and efficiently as possible, while creating local jobs in the process! Together, they’re transforming Detroit’s landscape in an innovative and eco-friendly way. To learn more about Detroit Mulch, click here!

Megan Kashat is a multifaceted Arab American artist based in Detroit. Her artistic journey fuses music, dance, and painting to express her Detroit roots on the global stage. Megan's artistic journey has been marked by significant achievements, including features in renowned publications like Billboard Magazine and Rolling Stone. To learn more about Megan and her artistic journey, click here!

FOR HOT TAKES:

MICHIGAN LAME-DUCK LEGISLATURE: HOUSE DEMOCRATS REVOLT AGAINST SPEAKER TATE

DETROIT MAYORAL CANDIDATE WOULD PUSH ENTERTAINMENT TAX TO OFFSET PROPERTY TAX RELIEF

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Next Episode

From Debt to Innovation in Education with Marc Alexander and Guest Host Dwan Dandridge

This week, Donna was joined by guest host Dwan Dandridge and Marc Alexander, the founder of Lite Tuition. Together, they discuss the transformative potential of economic solidarity and the strategic navigation of social circles to overcome systemic obstacles.

Marc’s story is a testament to the collaborative spirit that can drive significant social change. In 2009, Marc Alexander was a senior at Kettering University struggling to finance his next semester of school. When word of his struggles to secure a student loan reached his local paper, he was blessed to receive an anonymous check in the mail to cover the rest of his education. The check came with one message, "Pay it forward," and Marc set out to do exactly that.

In his mission to support other students struggling to finance their education, Marc created the company Lite Tuition, a social tech company that empowers students to increase their fundraising potential through a custom built crowdfunding platform. Light Tuition is a beacon of hope for those burdened by financial struggles due to student loans debt.

For more information on Marc Alexander and Lite Tuition, click here.

FOR HOT TAKES:

WAYNE COUNTY PARKS DIRECTOR, HUSBAND FACE GUN CHARGES AFTER DISPUTE OVER 10-CENT CAN DEPOSIT

HOW DETROIT WANTS TO SPEND $346 MILLION IN FEDERAL DISASTER RECOVERY AID

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Authentically Detroit - Empowering Voices Through Innovative News Platforms with Sarah Alvarez

Transcript

Speaker 100:00:00.119

Up next . Authentically , Detroit welcomes the founder and editor-at-large of Outlier Media , Sarah Alvarez , to discuss Outlier's groundbreaking SMS system . But first this week's hot takes from the WXYZ and the Associated Press . Detroit Lions clinch number one seed and win NFC North after beating Minnesota Vikings and internal divisions . Doom Michigan Democrats in their final days of l