In 2016 our co-founders, Ryan Johnston and Ryan Heafy, were inspired to redefine the way people consume local media and explore ways to become the most relevant local media brand.
The thesis: Give readers the info they need to live as the most engaged, entertained + educated citizens of their cities. Instead of speaking at them, we wanted to have an ongoing conversation with them daily. A value we wanted to embody is “pride-in-place,” which is celebrating your city (whether it’s your hometown or your adopted home), including its past, present + future.
Who’s doing it best: The answer was clear. theSkimm co-founders and co-CEOs Carly Zakin + Danielle Weisberg were clearly onto something powerful with their daily newsletter which made global news fun + accessible, in a way that fits in with your morning routine. Their readers count on theSkimm to start their day with everything they need to know, making it easier for them to live smarter.
Skimm’spiration to success: On July 5, 2016, our parent company 6AM City launched our first daily email, GVLtoday, in Greenville, S.C. Today, we help readers in 6 cities across the Southeast start their day informed about their local communities. With about 200,000 subscribers, we don’t plan to stop anytime soon – 6AM plans to open in additional markets later this year.
theSkimm in CHS: To bring it full circle, theSkimm is coming to the Charleston Gaillard Center on June 25 for theSkimm Night Out, to talk about the next chapter (pun intended) in their business – How to Skimm your Life – a book that breaks down some of the less glamorous parts of being an adult (like “should I claim standard or itemized deductions on my taxes?”). It covers everything from personal finance, career, stress management and global politics. We’re excited about it because, like you, we’re just two Charlestonians trying to figure out life in the Lowcountry – we’re just lucky to be able to share it with you via CHStoday.
Join Us: If you love CHStoday or theSkimm, join us at the Gaillard Center on June 25 to hear from Carly + Danielle, get a copy of their new book, and be sure to say hi if you see us there. 👋 Tickets ($48-150) here.
