The values of Not Just Headlines (NJH) are rooted in the following principles:

  • Nonpartisan Integrity

    NJH is committed to presenting news and political analysis without bias, ensuring that all content is grounded in truth and fairness.

  • Voter Empowerment

    A core value of NJH is to educate and engage young voters, particularly Gen Z, empowering them to understand and participate in local and national politics.

  • Fostering Accountability

    NJH builds trust by providing unbiased and accurate news coverage. Promoting accountability by encouraging voters to stay informed and actively monitor the actions of their elected officials.

  • Community Engagement

    NJH strives to connect with its audience through interactive and accessible content, fostering a strong, informed community.

  • Inclusivity

    NJH seeks to represent all voices in political discourse, ensuring diverse perspectives are heard and considered in its coverage.

  • Innovation

    NJH embraces creativity and new media formats, making political news and education more engaging and accessible for younger audiences.

Our Purpose

  • We empower the next generation of voters with accessible, non-partisan tools and resources to understand local politics.

  • We envision a future where every citizen is engaged and empowered to vote in both local and national elections, shaping their communities and the country with informed decisions.

Read the Reviews

Hugh Holston, City Council Member - At Large & CEO, Greensboro Housing Coalition

‘Not Just Headlines’ is an awesome medium to connect our electorate to the thoughts, views, and passions of the elected officials and candidates. Lily Oatis, the host, has captured the attention of the young voters and understands what they want to know about the candidates. The ‘The Room Where It Happens’ podcast is a must-listen for anyone interested in understanding the significance of young voters in shaping the future of democracy.

Morgan, Student at North Carolina A&T State University

Not Just Headlines is honestly a lifesaver for making politics way less overwhelming. The site walks you through everything step by step—I got a super easy guide to find every candidate who represents me in my district without stressing. The candidate interviews are straight to the point, no fluff, and everything just feels so clear and approachable. They make local politics actually make sense, which is rare and so needed.

Megan S., Student at UNC Chapel Hill

I’ve always wanted to get more involved in politics, but it felt super intimidating. I’ve never really understood how local politics work, and every time I tried to learn more, I just got confused. Then I found Not Just Headlines, and it completely changed the way I understand politics for the better!

Lu-Ann Wilkerson, MPA
Master of Public Administration

“Not Just Headline” is an innovative platform that truly stands out in the realm of political engagement. Lily's energy and enthusiasm create an inviting atmosphere that makes learning about candidates and the political landscape both fun and enlightening. This podcast is a fantastic resource for young voters, disengaged individuals, and those who feel uneducated about the democratic process. Lily's dedication to bridging the gap in this crucial area is commendable, and her work fills a significant need in today's political discourse (especially on the local level). Kudos to Lily for making democracy accessible and exciting!

Felton Foushee, Talk Show Host & History Professor

Lily Oatis does a masterful job of encouraging a healthy and informative conversation with guests.

Jordan, High School Senior

I like how Not Just Headlines gives quick weekly updates on local news and elections. It’s easy to follow, and now I actually know what’s going on without having to dig through a ton of articles

Frequently Asked Questions

  • You can volunteer, intern with us, or donate to our misson. We also welcome collaborations with local organizations and individuals who share our mission.

  • We bridge the gap between politically disengaged young people and local elections by providing non-partisan, easy-to-digest resources that focus on the issues that matter most in your community.

  • We are committed to providing factual, balanced, and impartial content. We prioritize transparency and accountability by sourcing all the information we share in our podcast. Our team researches every topic thoroughly, focusing on multiple credible sources to present information without promoting any political agenda.

  • Absolutely! We value your input. Send your suggestions through our contact section on our website.

  • No, we do not partner with or endorse political parties or candidates. We maintain independence to ensure our content remains unbiased.

  • The Room Where It Happens is our weekly podcast that breaks down local political events, issues, and news in a way that's engaging and easy to understand. Each episode provides updates, context, and analysis to help listeners stay informed about what's happening in their community.

  • Our podcast, The Room Where It Happens, drops new episodes every week from January to November. During off-season months, we release bi-weekly episodes covering key political events and interviews.

  • Transparency is key to our mission. If an error is identified, we issue a correction promptly and update the content with accurate information.