Today we’d like to introduce you to Tracy Simmons

Hi Tracy, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.

I knew I wanted to be a journalist at 15, but my focus on religion reporting developed during college where I minored in religious studies while majoring in journalism. This combination led to my first job as a religion writer in South Texas after graduation. My career has taken me across the country, covering religion in New Mexico, Texas, New England, and the Pacific Northwest. Each region offered unique perspectives on faith in America. The 2008 economic crisis proved to be a turning point when the newspaper I worked for cut its religion section. In response, I started my own publication, shifting into entrepreneurship. After selling that venture, I now run FāVS News, a non-profit religion news publication in Washington State. This role combines my journalism background with my interest in religion and my entrepreneurial experience.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?

The journey hasn’t always been smooth. The biggest challenge has been securing funding for our non-profit. With my background in journalism rather than business, fundraising often pushes me out of my comfort zone. Despite this, I firmly believe in the work our team does, which motivates me to persist. Our efforts have paid off, and I’m proud to say we’ve found success. We’re now able to support a dozen freelancers and maintain a small staff, which is a significant achievement for a non-profit news organization in today’s media landscape.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?

My career spans over two decades in religion reporting, but that’s just one facet of my professional identity. I’m also a journalism professor at Washington State University, where I’ve recently developed a religion reporting class. This course has quickly become my favorite to teach, as it allows me to blend my extensive field experience with my passion for educating the next generation of journalists.
My work uniquely combines active journalism with academia. As a long-time religion reporter, I bring real-world insights and connections to the classroom, enriching my students’ learning experience. The religion reporting class I’ve created is particularly special to me as it addresses a often overlooked yet crucial area of journalism. It equips students with the skills to navigate the complex landscape of faith and belief systems in our diverse society.
I’m not just teaching from textbooks, but from years of hands-on experience in the field. This allows me to offer students practical knowledge about the nuances of covering religion in today’s media environment. I’m proud of how this class bridges the gap between academic theory and professional practice, preparing students for the unique challenges and opportunities in religion reporting.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://favs.news

Image Credits

Tracy Simmons/Contributed