VNN expands nationwide with three additional journalists

(TULSA, Okla.) Verified News Network, an independent news network based in Tulsa, Oklahoma, has scaled its operations to include three more states. The move comes as local development company Hot Coffey Design updates VNN’s free PlugIn app to include location customization. The first-of-its-kind social media app was designed exclusively for verified news, and uses human moderators and artificial intelligence to combat misinformation and other “fake news”. VNN Journalists share a variety of news content while focusing on three fundamental pillars of coverage believed to be under-reported in the mainstream media: diversity, local female entrepreneurs, and small business. Meet VNN’s newest Journalists: BRIAN HESSON | VNN TEXAS Brian “O’Neil” Hesson was born in Columbus, Ohio, but raised in Dallas, Texas. He attended the University of North Texas and studied Political Science while working promotions at Urban One’s 97.9 The Beat. From radio, TV, and Internet, Brian has been on the forefront of innovative, new-age journalism. He has covered socio-political topics via his internet talk show and cohosting the Breaking the Stigma Podcast for the nonprofit, Minority Psychology Network. Brian also currently co-owns a production company that focuses on content creation ranging from entertainment, politics, social commentary, and commercialized content for small and medium-sized businesses. Brian has a vision to combat misinformation and has dedicated his life to reestablishing trust amongst the public and our news media. RAHKIYA “ROCKY” BROWN | VNN NEW YORK Rahkiya “Rocky” Brown was born and raised in Binghamton, New York. Rocky earned her degree in broadcast journalism at SUNY Oswego, where she wrote for the school newspaper. After graduating in 2018, Rocky landed her own radio show with a local station in her hometown. Shortly after, she branched off to start her very own media outlet called “Plugged In” where she interviewed musicians, entrepreneurs and artists with the intention of “plugging the people in” to the amazing talents in her community. Rocky has been able to reach over 20 countries with Plugged In but is now looking to pour her passion for journalism into the expansion of VNN! Covering the Upstate New York area, she is honored to join VNN’s tribe of journalists and eager to hit the streets looking for unique stories that traditional media may overlook. DANIELLE SAITTA | VNN MASSACHUSETTS Danielle Saitta is a Boston Native, a Fairfield University Graduate, and a former television reporter. Danielle has worked in the broadcast industry for two years and has reported, edited, shot, and produced over 600 stories. After graduating from Fairfield University, Danielle's career took off in Grand Forks, North Dakota. Her next stop was Sioux City Iowa where she was a key player during the Historic Midwest Flooding. During that time, Danielle worked with local businesses and community members whose businesses and homes were greatly affected. In 2019, Danielle traveled back to the East Coast and worked for WCBD in Charleston, South Carolina. During her first four-months, Danielle reported in Dorchester County, where she tackled crime, tragedy and was the voice for many community members who were establishing their businesses. A few months later, Danielle took on a different beat. Her stories as the nightside reporter included investigative reporting where she helped community members speak out against wrongdoings by their public officials and harm done to their homes and businesses. As a VNN Journalist, Danielle hopes to continue serving community members. She adores small businesses and loves to help spread the word about new additions to the community. If you're looking for media attention in Boston, Danielle is the right journalist to reach out to. Look for stories from VNN’s new journalists in Texas, New York and Massachusetts in the coming weeks. VNN is a gamechanger for journalism, providing journalists with an alternative to traditional outlets, as well as all the tools and resources they need to run their own news operations. The network’s innovative business model replaces traditional advertising with sponsored news services and other media products, with plans to launch vehicles for community news sponsorship in the coming months. These three new partnerships culminate the first wave of VNN expansion in the United States, with the goal of expanding into more states in the fall of 2020. Journalists are one of five user categories in VNN’s PlugIn app, in addition to Officials, Experts, Citizens and Affiliates. News can also be customized by topic, comprised of business, community, crime, education, events, health, human interest, politics, science, sports, technology, traffic, travel and weather. To learn more about VNN, click here: https://verifiednews.network/ To learn more about becoming a VNN Journalist, click here: https://verifiednews.network/workwithvnn/