“We don't have enough examples of these messengers truly being embedded in the editorial strategies of the newsrooms,” Ragland said.

Across the country, Ragland sees signs of what might come next: contributor networks, ambassador programs, even “influencer labs” embedded in newsrooms.

We’re used to hearing “influencer” and thinking of beauty TikTokers or viral creators — but in this context, influence is about credibility, consistency and deep community ties, not follower counts or algorithm darlings