After almost 10 years, YaJagoff! founders John Chamberlin and Rachael Rennebeck are still keeping things positive. In addition to offering blog posts about the region and podcasts that spotlight local features of Western Pennsylvania, YaJagoff! also offers public relations and social media services to foster success in local businesses.
Website: YaJagoff.com
Location: North Shore
Newsroom size: Seven
Communities served: Western Pennsylvania
Established in: 2016
Known for: Positive stories and championing small businesses
Who is your core audience, and how do you stay connected to them? Rennebeck: Our audience is a blanket, to be honest. We really thought our core audience skewed 40 and older, or expats. We’re learning, based on our numbers, that we actually skew younger. … I think our audience is Pittsburgh-centric pop culture.
What makes your coverage different from others in Pennsylvania? Chamberlin: I think it’s the lighthearted positivity. So much news is negative. … That’s what we are based on.
What’s one goal your organization has for the next year? Rennebeck: I would say to efficiently and effectively let people know that we’ve been here for a decade, that we’ve been doing what we’re doing. … We don’t go away, and people are sticking around. It’s cool that we’re recognized and that other people respect and realize that we’re here and we have our own spin as journalism is changing.
If your newsroom were a TV show, what would it be called? Rennebeck: I’d say a cross between “WKRP in Cincinnati” and “The Office.”
