Rough Draft Atlanta
| Private | |
| ISIN | 🆔 |
| Industry | Journalism, Digital media, Local news |
| Founded 📆 | 2006 (as Springs Publishing) |
| Founder 👔 | Steve Levene |
Area served 🗺️ | Atlanta metropolitan area |
Key people |
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| Products 📟 |
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| Members | |
Number of employees | |
| 🌐 Website | roughdraftatlanta |
| 📇 Address | |
| 📞 telephone | |
Rough Draft Atlanta is an American hyperlocal media organization based in Atlanta, Georgia. The company operates a network of print and digital publications serving approximately one million monthly readers across the Atlanta metropolitan area.[1]
The organization is known for its "meaningful, not massive" editorial philosophy, focusing on high-engagement local reporting and a hybrid business model that combines traditional direct mail print editions with modern digital newsletters.[2]
History
Early Years as Springs Publishing (2006–2020)
The company was established in 2006 by Steve Levene, a former executive at The Wall Street Journal.[3] Levene launched the Sandy Springs Reporter in 2007 to serve the newly incorporated city of Sandy Springs, Georgia. Following its success, the company expanded by launching localized editions in Buckhead, Dunwoody, and Brookhaven. In 2013, the firm acquired Atlanta Intown, a monthly publication covering the city's urban neighborhoods since 1994.[4]
Acquisition and Digital Transformation (2021–Present)
In late 2020, Springs Publishing was acquired by Keith Pepper, a veteran media and technology entrepreneur.[5] Under Pepper’s leadership, the company prioritized digital expansion, launching the Rough Draft daily newsletter in 2021 to provide curated news for the metro area.
In January 2023, the organization rebranded as Rough Draft Atlanta to unify its digital and print assets under a single brand identity.[6] In December 2024, the company significantly expanded its demographic reach by acquiring Georgia Voice, the primary media outlet for the state's LGBTQ+ community.[7]
Publications
Print Portfolio
Rough Draft Atlanta maintains a combined monthly print circulation of approximately 100,500 copies across several titles:[8]
- Reporter Newspapers (Circ: 70,500): Serves the suburban markets of Sandy Springs (ZIPs 30327, 30328, 30342, 30350), Buckhead (30305), Dunwoody (30338), and Brookhaven (30319).
- Atlanta Intown (Circ: 27,000): Covers neighborhoods including Midtown, Virginia-Highland, Inman Park, and the Westside.
- Atlanta Senior Life: Distributed to over 250 locations, targeting the 55+ demographic.
- Georgia Voice: A bi-weekly LGBTQ+ newspaper and digital hub.[9]
Digital Media
The company produces several high-engagement newsletters:
- Rough Draft Daily: A morning news briefing.
- Side Dish: A weekly newsletter covering the Atlanta dining and restaurant scene, led by Beth McKibben.[10]
- The Scene: A weekly guide to arts and entertainment, edited by Sammie Purcell.[11]
Content Partnerships
Rough Draft Atlanta maintains collaborative content-sharing agreements with several major Georgia media organizations to enhance local news distribution:
- The Atlanta Journal-Constitution: Shares digital and print content from Rough Draft's community titles.[12]
- WABE: Metro Atlanta's NPR station, which collaborates on the "How Do You Atlanta?" event calendar.[12]
- SaportaReport: Features columns from veteran civic journalist Maria Saporta.[12]
Awards and Recognition
In 2024, the organization’s flagship newsletter was awarded "Best Local and Community Newsletter" at the international Publisher Newsletter Awards.[6] The company also hosts the annual "20 Under 20" awards, which recognizes students in the Atlanta area for community service and leadership.[13]
References
- ↑ Montoya, Orlando. "Reporter Newspapers/ Atlanta Intown". Georgia Public Broadcasting. Retrieved February 4, 2026.
- ↑ "Rough Draft Atlanta's 'meaningful, not massive' approach to local". The Rebooting Show. November 4, 2025. Retrieved February 4, 2026.
- ↑ Ruch, John (December 18, 2020). "Reporter Newspapers has a new owner". Rough Draft Atlanta. Retrieved February 4, 2026.
- ↑ "Rough Draft Atlanta Member Profile". Greater Perimeter Chamber. Retrieved February 4, 2026.
- ↑ "Keith Pepper - ONA24". Online News Association. Retrieved February 4, 2026.
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 "Keith Pepper, Publisher, Rough Draft Atlanta". Rotary Club of Dunwoody. July 31, 2024. Retrieved February 4, 2026.
- ↑ "Rough Draft acquires Atlanta LGBTQ+ newspaper Georgia Voice". The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. December 3, 2024. Retrieved February 4, 2026.
- ↑ "Best local advertising in Atlanta". Rough Draft Atlanta. November 29, 2025. Retrieved February 4, 2026.
- ↑ "About Georgia Voice". Rough Draft Atlanta. Retrieved February 4, 2026.
- ↑ "Beth McKibben - Editor in Chief". Rough Draft Atlanta. Retrieved February 4, 2026.
- ↑ "About Us - Editorial Team". Rough Draft Atlanta. Retrieved February 4, 2026.
- ↑ 12.0 12.1 12.2 "Content Partners". Rough Draft Atlanta. Retrieved February 4, 2026.
- ↑ "Meet our 20 Under 20 honorees for 2026". Rough Draft Atlanta. January 9, 2026. Retrieved February 4, 2026.
External links
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