New daily newsletter meets reader needs with concise format

As the Macon Melody broadens its reach through expanded digital offerings, the startup newsroom recently launched The Riff, a weekday newsletter that reimagines how readers stay connected to their community.

Melody Executive Editor Joshua Wilson and Sports Editor Micah Johnston designed the newsletter around a simple insight: People want to understand what's happening locally, but most weekday mornings don't allow time for deep reading.

The Riff lands in readers’ inboxes with a deliberately lean structure. Each edition opens with Top Note — one major Macon story explained, with context and impact in plain language. Then comes a single rotating segment that cycles through the week: arts and culture highlights, sports updates, business news, community moments, or civic calendar reminders.

That's it — two focused sections and out the door.

"We're not trying to be everything," Wilson said. "We're trying to be useful."

The format reflects broader shifts in how local newsrooms meet audience needs. Rather than cramming a morning newsletter with every available story, The Riff bets that clarity and consistency build stronger reader habits than exhaustiveness.

Johnston, who's managing daily production, said it’s all about being more intentional: "We're asking ourselves: What does someone actually need to know in the morning? What matters to our community?"

The rotating packages let the newsletter feel fresh without becoming overwhelming. Monday might pair a city council story with a local arts opening. Tuesday could match a school board update with a business development. The structure stays predictable; the content stays varied.

The Melody is a local news startup that’s part of the Georgia Trust for Local News, which is a subsidiary of the National Trust for Local News. Supported by the Knight Foundation, the Melody is named in honor of Macon’s rich place in the tapestry of American music. The newsroom pitches The Riff to potential subscribers with the tagline "Macon News. No Static" — a nod to both the musical cues and the newsletter's stripped-down approach.

“It's the kind of focused, reader-first thinking that makes local journalism essential — meeting people where they are, respecting their time, and helping them stay informed about their  community,” Johnston said.

To receive The Riff, sign up today.