ATLANTA—Former news anchor Valeria Sistrunk has officially announced the launch of RateMyStation, a digital platform that aims to bring more transparency to the broadcast journalism industry by offering a kind of "Glassdoor for News," where journalists, producers, and newsroom staff can rate their work environments, share experiences, and advocate for healthier professional cultures in a secure, anonymous environment.
The launch comes at a time when broadcast stations are under increasing financial pressure to produce more local news with the same or fewer resources, a dynamic that has made it difficult for some stations to recruit new talent or retain existing talent. Stations have also come under fire for offering low pay to entry level journalists and producers, a problem that could become even worse if the ongoing industry-wide consolidation results to layoffs.
The inspiration for RateMyStation stems from Sistrunk's personal experiences navigating toxic newsroom dynamics. Recognizing a systemic lack of accountability in the industry, she developed the platform to empower media professionals with the data necessary to make informed career decisions. By centralizing reviews on management, pay equity, and workplace safety, the site aims to bridge the information gap between station leadership and prospective employees.
As part of the effort to provide journalists with more transparency about work environments, RateMyStation said that it serves as a dual-purpose tool for both employees and newsroom leaders. For journalists, it offers a collective voice to highlight excellence or signal red flags regarding newsroom morale. For station groups and local managers, the platform provides a clear metric of internal reputation, offering a roadmap to improve retention and foster more supportive environments.
The initiative also focuses on the specific challenges of the media industry, including high-pressure deadlines, contract negotiations, and the mental health toll of daily news cycles.
To help fund the effort, the site includes merchandise shop featuring products designed to resonate with the unique lifestyle of media professionals. Proceeds from the shop directly support the platform's mission to provide advocacy resources and maintain the digital infrastructure required for verified, anonymous reporting.
More information is available at https://ratemystation.com.
