Looking back: the stories that defined my first months with Shay Informed

When I launched Shay Informed four months ago, I knew I wanted to do journalism differently. What I didn't know was how much I would change in the process.

"I'm Shay McAlister, and this is Shay Informed: an independent, ad-free platform dedicated to honest journalism with compassion and clarity.

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This year brought some of the most meaningful storytelling of my career- stories I got to tell on my own terms, without the constraints of traditional broadcast news.

That means spending three weeks on one story instead of three days because it deserves that time. It means having conversations that run longer than a two-minute segment allows. It means I don't have to cut an interview short because we're losing daylight or the photographer has another assignment. It means when Sherry Ballard needs a moment to collect herself, we can take that moment- I'm not watching the clock or worrying about the next newscast.

It means I get to decide what matters based on what you need to know, not what might trend on social media or boost ratings. No managers telling me to move on from a story because "we covered that last week." No pressure to sensationalize a headline for clicks. Just me, you, and the truth we're uncovering together.

That's the difference. And it's changed everything about how I approach this work.

Here's a look back at what we covered together.

The Crystal Rogers case: exclusive access

This case has been close to my heart for years, and 2025 brought unprecedented access. I sat down with FBI Special Agent Steve Keary, who walked me through the investigation that changed Bardstown forever.

Then came the interview I'll never forget- Sherry Ballard, Crystal's mom, sharing her journey through grief, determination, and finally, some answers. Sherry couldn't do interviews for the last several years, to protect the integrity of the case. Finally... after years of waiting... she didn't have to hold anything back.

Former lead detective Jon Snow rounded out our exclusive coverage, giving readers an inside look at the years of work that went into bringing justice for Crystal. The people who stood in his way. The things he wish went differently. No question was off limits.

These weren't just interviews- they were conversations about resilience, truth, and never giving up on the people we love.

30 years of questions: the Heather Teague mystery

Three decades. That's how long Heather Teague's family has waited for answers. Revisiting this case reminded me why I got into journalism in the first place- to give voice to those who've been waiting in the silence, to keep asking questions when others have moved on.

Beyond crime: The sweet success story

Not every story I tell involves tragedy. One of my favorites this year took me inside Louisville's top dessert shop, where I discovered that success isn't just about what you serve- it's about the sweat, sacrifice, and sheer determination that happens behind the counter. It reminded me why I love this job: real people, real stories, real impact.

Pulling back the curtain

Your response to my behind-the-scenes blog posts has been incredible. Letting you into the messiness of reporting- the moments of doubt, the breakthroughs, the emotional weight of covering difficult stories- has created something I never had in television: a genuine conversation with the people I serve. I can't wait to do more of these as we head into 2026!

Breaking news- done differently

In a traditional newsroom, every click matters. TV stations, newspapers and radio run on advertisements. It's what keeps your local news free but it can also lead to clutter on websites... confusing or misleading headlines... and false urgency created for engagement. This was something I was SO GLAD to leave behind. When breaking news hit Louisville- with the UPS Plane Crash- I didn't have to worry about writing hundreds of small updates littered with ads, in an attempt to get clicks. I focused on one story, one link, with thoughtful, fact-checked updates.

What I've learned

Here's what independence has taught me: clickbait is easy. Impactful storytelling is hard. And it's absolutely worth it.

I'm growing in ways I never imagined- not just as a journalist, but in how I think about what matters. Without the pressure to chase viral moments or inflate numbers, I can focus on what actually serves you: accountability, depth, and stories that deserve to be told right, not fast.

Thank you for being part of this journey. For subscribing, for engaging, for trusting me with the stories that matter to you. Here's to whatever comes next.

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