Signal launches second Ohio newsroom in Akron

Driving the news: Signal Akron launches under the leadership of editor Susan Kirkman Zake supervising six reporters and editors.

• It plans to grow to 11, covering government, health, arts and culture, education and business.

What they're saying: "Signal Akron will expand the volume, depth and reach of news in the market while centering the experiences and amplifying the voices of the residents who live here," said Debra Adams Simmons, a former Plain Dealer and Akron Beacon Journal editor who now serves on the Signal Ohio board.

How it works: Much like its counterpart in Cleveland, Signal Akron is funded by national and local philanthropic organizations and private donors.

• It will use the work of Akron Documenters — citizens who attend public meetings and collect information to be used by reporters.

Plus: The site will launch a weekly arts and culture newsletter, "Akron Alive," featuring things to do in the region.

💭 Sam's thought bubble: One of the newsroom's first hires was government reporter Doug Brown. Doug is a close friend who worked closely with me at Cleveland Scene in 2013-14. We're lucky to have him back in Northeast Ohio.