Opinion: Appalachia Has Stories the Nation Never Hears

December 7, 2025

               For years now, Appalachia has been overlooked, in the national sense, not because there are no stories here, but because nobody has ever bothered to look closely. I can remember as a child, we lived beside a convenient store in the town of Buckhannon WV, and I would constantly run over and grab a newspaper, almost daily, because, even as a child at the time, I could afford that. I would buy the ‘USA Today’ paper for 75 cents, and I always enjoyed reading through the stories; stories concerning the nation with a ‘fairly’ centrist view; as I grew older, I would subscribe to several of our state and local newspapers as well but I would notice a trend: all focused heavily on state or local events, with (maybe) a story or two that ventured out of state to the region or reflected on a national event, in my opinion.

            The nation, and the world (in my opinion), have never truly heard the stories of Appalachia in the full light that can be shined on them by media, and this is one of the reasons why I decided to start Appalachian Post: to fill the void that I perceive is there. Appalachian Post has already staked its claim as a National newspaper and outlet with international reach, based on the data that we’ve collected over this 6-day launch, and this gives us an avenue to be able to share the beautiful, wonderful, and even newsworthy stories of West Virginia, and Appalachia, to the nation and the world.

I want to pause and point out that we do not claim any superiority over any other Newspaper or outlet in the state or region: I researched extensively, saw that there were many regional, but no national outlets in the region, thought that was a problem and decided to do something about it. But I, as well as anyone who helps me, would more than love to see more National Newspapers and outlets pop up in West Virginia and Appalachia: we’re not here to compete with anyone, we just want to help be the solution to a perceived problem. As the weeks go on, every Monday through Saturday (our hard news days) our goal is to bring you the stories of our state (West Virginia) and our region (Appalachia) along with the loads of First-Hand National headlines that you’ve already shown us that you enjoy and love.

So, here’s to a bright and amazing future and the amazing ability to be able to bring these stories to you, our readers, who are spread across, not only America, but the world. My hope as the founder and head of Appalachian post is that you, the readers, will continue to walk with us on this journey, just as you have already over the past 6 days of our existence, as we continue to write the stories that have waited for far too long for their turn in the National conversation,

The Appalachian Post Opinion section exists to provide thoughtful, honest, and personal perspectives on the issues that affect our communities. While news articles present only verifiable facts, our opinion pieces allow writers to speak from experience, conviction, and emotion, always with integrity and respect. We do not use our opinion platform to attack individuals, groups, or other outlets. Instead, we focus on ideas, values, and the human impact behind the stories we cover. All opinions published by the Appalachian Post remain grounded in truth, clarity, and compassion, avoiding sensationalism and distortion. Our goal is to give readers a space where real voices can be heard, difficult topics can be explored, and the weight of life’s moments can be shared with honesty and understanding.