A New Chapter for the City-County Observer: Your Chance to Lead a Community Institution
Evansville, Indiana – AUGUST 15, 2025
For more than two decades, the City-County Observer has served as Evansville’s most vigilant, independent, and fearless voice in local journalism. Now, for the first time, this respected publication is being offered to the next generation of civic-minded leadership.
Ron Cosby, the Observer’s founder and publisher, has devoted much of his life to challenging the status quo, asking the hard questions, and holding public officials accountable. A Vietnam-era veteran and seasoned political insider who has worn many hats—Democrat, Republican, and Independent—Cosby built the Observer into a trusted platform for local news, editorial opinion, and investigative reporting. Its motto, “Is it true? Is it fair? Is it necessary?”, still resonates today.
But life has changed. Now residing in Huntsville, Alabama, and facing the effects of a traumatic brain injury, Ron can no longer maintain the day-to-day operations of the publication. “My health and my move have made it impossible to keep up,” Cosby says. “And without my local network, the Observer’s moles are going silent.”
So rather than close the doors or sell to the highest bidder, Ron Cosby is offering the Observer—free of charge—to the person who presents the best plan to continue its mission.
“This paper has always been about truth and public service, not profit. I want someone who shares those values and has a vision for what comes next.”
– Ron Cosby, Founder
What the New Editor-Publisher Will Receive:
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Full rights to the City-County Observer name, website, domain, archives, and all digital assets
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An established platform with a loyal and engaged readership
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Personal guidance from Ron (as health permits) during a transitional period
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The opportunity to become a leading voice in regional journalism and civic engagement
What Should Be Included in Your Application:
Interested candidates should submit a statement of intent (3–5 pages) addressing the following:
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Background & Qualifications
Your relevant experience in journalism, writing, public policy, business, or civic leadership. -
Vision for the Observer
What will you preserve, what will you improve, and how will you expand the Observer’s reach? -
Editorial Approach
How will you uphold the Observer’s tradition of independent, fair, and necessary reporting? -
Operational Plan
How will you make the Observer sustainable? (Consider advertising, grants, subscriptions, or volunteer contributions.) -
Technology and Outreach
Will you modernize the website, use social media, integrate multimedia, or bring in guest columnists? -
Team Strategy
Will you go solo, hire freelance contributors, or build a small staff? -
Transition Timeline
When can you begin, and how do you plan to assume operations? -
Samples and References
Include examples of past writing, publishing, or civic work. Letters of support are welcome.
Deadline and Submission:
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Application Deadline: August 30, 2025
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Submit Applications To: rhcosby@live.com
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Email Subject Line: Observer Transition Application – [Your Name]
This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of local journalism in Evansville and beyond. If you believe that an informed citizenry is essential to democracy—and you have the commitment and creativity to keep this legacy alive—Ron Cosby wants to hear from you.
