Cultural Chronicles: Exploring Tulsa with The Pickup

Matt Carney, co-founder and editor-in-chief of The Pickup, takes center stage as he discusses the creation of a fresh, Alt Weekly-inspired website dedicated to Tulsa's vibrant cultural scene. Transitioning from his role at The Root, Matt shares the mission behind The Pickup, a platform that combines event listings with deep-dive journalism to fill the void left by previous alternative publications. From exploring the economics of Tulsa's galas to the quirky future of a local adult superstore, Matt provides a glimpse into the captivating stories that await readers.

Unravel the intricate process of naming a publication with "The Pickup" as we discuss its ironic ties and cultural significance in Tulsa. We navigate the evolving landscape of journalism, where advertising gives way to subscription-based models, and community engagement becomes the cornerstone of content direction. Alongside anecdotes from Matt's journalism journey, we humorously ponder the potential transformations of local businesses, all while emphasizing the power of subscriber-driven storytelling.

Journey into the world of modern journalism and social media dynamics with insights from Matt's personal experiences. Discover how The Pickup crafts an ad-free, serene reading haven that aligns with changing consumption habits. From the growing preference for email over social media to the innovative freemium model, we explore sustainable journalism strategies and the aspirations for impactful storytelling. Join Matt as he shares the future vision, where engagement, events, and authentic narratives forge the path for a thriving journalism business that resonates with its community.