Scott Lewis: Journalism, Democracy, and the Future of San Diego

Scott Lewis is CEO and Editor-in-Chief of Voice of San Diego, the pioneering nonprofit newsroom he helped build nearly two decades ago. What began as an experiment in funding professional journalism outside of the old newspaper model is now a national template, proving that communities can sustain independent, fact-driven reporting. Scott is known for his candid, conversational style and his conviction that journalism is about creating a shared story that helps communities face hard truths and imagine better futures.

This Episode: 

What role does local journalism play in sustaining democracy and helping communities rise to their challenges? 

In this thought-provoking conversation, Scott and Grant trace the story of Voice of San Diego from its early days as a bold experiment to its present role covering the region’s toughest issues—from homelessness and housing to infrastructure, schools, and civic leadership. They explore how journalism can cut through partisanship and apathy by telling stories that matter, how San Diego’s unique civic culture shapes progress (and stalls it), and why shared stories are essential to purpose and belonging. 

Scott also reflects on the responsibility of local media in a time when national trust is fractured and public funding for journalism is under attack. For him, it comes down to optimism: believing that communities are strong enough to face their biggest problems when they have the facts and the courage to talk about them. 

Key Moments: 

• [4:28] How San Diego became a model for nonprofit local journalism 
• [9:08] Why Voice chose a candid, conversational style over traditional news “voice” 
• [13:00] The impact of federal cuts to public media and what it means for NPR, KPBS, and local outlets 
• [23:00] The challenges San Diego faces—housing, schools, homelessness—and why naming problems is an act of optimism 
• [38:18] Why journalism is a “tiny investment” with massive community returns 

Resources Mentioned in This Episode: 

• Voice of San Diego – Nonprofit newsroom pioneering new models for community-supported journalism 
• Politifest – Annual public affairs summit hosted by Voice of San Diego 
• Prebys Foundation Nonprofit News Support – $2 Million to San Diego nonprofit news outlets to strengthen local journalism and civic engagement

Take Action: 

• Support Local Journalism – Subscribe, donate, or become a member of a nonprofit news outlet near you. 
• Join the Conversation – Attend events like Politifest to engage directly with civic leaders and ideas. 
• Seek Shared Stories – Talk with neighbors, attend community forums, and stay curious about San Diego’s future. 
• Believe in Solutions – Remember that naming problems is the first step toward solving them. 

Credits: 

This is a production of the Prebys Foundation 
Hosted by Grant Oliphant 
Co-Hosted by Crystal Page 
Co-produced by Crystal Page and Adam Greenfield 
Engineered by Adam Greenfield 
Production Coordination by Tess Karesky 

Video Production by Edgar Ontiveros Medina 
Special thanks to the Prebys Foundation Team 

The Stop & Talk Theme song was created by San Diego’s own Mr. Lyrical Groove. 

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