You might know me from TV news, from the Bardstown podcast or from one of my investigations or interviews. Maybe we've crossed paths at a community event or you've followed my work over the years. Whatever brought you here, I'm SO glad to have you!


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

Are you new here? Sign up for the free newsletter or subscribe to support our mission.


After a decade in television news, I've learned something that might surprise you: staying informed doesn't have to feel like homework. It doesn't have to be overwhelming, negative, or something you squeeze in only when you have an hour to spare. The news should meet you where you are—on your phone during your morning coffee, in your inbox between meetings, wherever life is actually happening.

That's why I left TV news to start Shay Informed.

Why Now? Why This?

The media landscape feels broken in a lot of ways. Between the 24-hour news cycle, clickbait headlines, and algorithms designed to keep us angry and scrolling, staying informed has become exhausting. I've watched people I care about- smart, engaged people- tune out completely because the noise became unbearable.

But here's what I know from years of investigative work: good journalism still matters. The stories that change lives, that hold power accountable, that bring communities together- they're still happening. They're just getting lost in all the chaos.

Shay Informed is my answer to that problem. It's journalism that fits into your real life, delivered the way you actually consume information. Quick hits when time is short, deeper dives when the story demands it. And always with the understanding that being informed doesn't mean being overwhelmed.

The Stories That Shaped This Mission

My approach to journalism was forged through stories that mattered-investigations that didn't just fill airtime but actually changed things. While working on the Bardstown podcast in 2019, diving deep into five unsolved mysteries from America's most beautiful small town, I had no idea the FBI would take the lead on cases months later. Three men have since been arrested and convicted for the disappearance of Crystal Rogers. Sometimes investigations take years to unfold, but when they do, they can bring justice to families who never gave up hope.

My reporting on "Wildlife in Need" led to federal intervention, the shutdown of a so-called animal refuge, and criminal charges for its owner. That investigation later became part of Netflix's "Tiger King" series. Like so many important stories, it all started with a tip from someone in the community who knew something wasn't right- a reminder that the best journalism happens when we listen to each other.

These stories, along with others throughout my career, have earned three Edward R. Murrow Awards, six Emmy Awards, and numerous local journalism honors. But the recognition I'm most proud of isn't hanging on my wall.

In 2015, I covered a vigil for a murder victim and met his mother- a woman whose strength and vision for change stayed with me long after the cameras stopped rolling. When she shared her dream to purchase the property where her son was killed and transform it into a community center, I knew I had to help make it happen. Using the connections I'd built through years of reporting, we found funding and volunteers. In 2019, we cut the ribbon on the ACE Project. Since then, hundreds of children have found support, encouragement, and opportunity there.

My stories don't end when I file the report, they become part of who I am.

Building Something Different

This is a one-woman operation (for now) and it's the perfect way to start. No corporate overlords, no advertisers pulling strings, no shareholders demanding higher engagement at any cost. The only people I answer to are you- the ones this work is really for.

What you won't find here are ads cluttering up your reading experience or influencing what stories get told. This platform is 100% ad-free because independence isn't just a buzzword, it's how we ensure the work stays focused on what actually matters to your life and your community.

I'm offering a mix of free and subscriber-only content. Some stories will be open to everyone because certain information should be accessible to all. Others will be exclusively for subscribers who want to support this mission and dive deeper into the issues that shape our world.

What You Can Expect

Every piece of content here is designed with your real life in mind. Maybe you're reading this on your phone while waiting in line, or settling in for a weekend deep-dive. Either way works.

You'll get investigations that matter, told in a way that respects your time and intelligence. Stories about your community, your state, your country and how they all connect to the bigger picture. Analysis that cuts through the noise without talking down to you. And always, always, with the understanding that staying informed should enhance your life, not add stress to it.

This isn't about being the first to break news or the loudest voice in the room. It's about being the most useful, the most thoughtful, and the most connected to what actually affects your daily life.

Join the Mission

Whether you've been following my work for years or you're just discovering it, you're now part of a community that believes good journalism can be part of everyone's everyday life without adding overwhelm to it.

I'm building something here that television news couldn't give me the freedom to create- journalism that serves you instead of serving metrics, algorithms, or advertising dollars. Stories that matter, told the way they deserve to be told, delivered when and how you need them.

Ready to be Shay informed without being overwhelmed? Subscribe today and become part of a community that values thoughtful journalism over clickbait chaos.

And if you've got a story tip, a question, or just want to say hello, send me a message. The best journalism happens when we listen to each other, and I'm always listening.

Welcome to Shay Informed. Let's do this together.

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