Indiana Gov. Starting State-Run News Service To Compete With Actual Press [View all]

Indiana Gov. Mike Pence (R) is starting a state-run news agency that will offer pre-written stories to news outlets in the state, according to The Indianapolis Star, which obtained documents about the news service.

The new news service, called "Just IN" will also sometimes offer stories about Pence's administration. The site is set to launch in the later half of February. Stories will be written by state press secretaries and will be overseen by Bill McCleery, a former reporter for the Star.

"At times, Just IN will break news —publishing information ahead of any other news outlet," a question and answer sheet that went out to communications directors for state agencies said. "Strategies for determining how and when to give priority to such 'exclusive' coverage remain under discussion."

A governance board of communications directors will oversee the agency. The editorial board will be made up of Pence's communications team and McCleery.

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