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Scout Stories: Our Origin Story (And Why Yours Matters Too)
The Story Behind Scout Revealed Your origins story isn’t just history—it’s your compass.
Scout Stories didn’t start last year. It started a decade ago in an Atlanta newsroom, when a group of journalists decided to do something no one thought possible: make investigative journalism not just shareable, but binge-worthy. The Story Behind Scout:Erin, our founder, Matt, our photographer, and I were part of a pilot program at the local NBC affiliate with one goal: Make Netflix for local news. Umm…WHAT?! It was a (very) tall task considering the steady decline in the local media landscape, but we had hope it could be done. Here’s why: Because when it comes down to it, people want to connect with other people. Great stories will always win. We named our team Atticus, inspired by one of fiction’s greatest truth-tellers: Atticus Finch. His motto? “The best way to clear the air is to have it all out in the open.” We lived that. Our Work:
The result? Millions of views. Changed laws. Saved lives. Atticus received the National Association of Broadcasters Service to America Award for Charlie Foxtrot. Two of the servicemembers featured in the documentary shared their struggles with the psychological wounds of war sustained in Iraq and Afghanistan. When they were recognized during the ceremony, the entire audience—members of Congress, fellow journalists, even John Bon Jovi—gave them a standing ovation. These brave individuals had shared the most vulnerable moments of their lives, hoping to create change for servicemembers in the future. And that night, their courage—their stories-- truly moved the world. Fast Forward to 2023:Erin wanted to help anyone with a story tell it—and get it in front of the right audience. And that’s how Scout Stories was born. Scout, the Atticus’ daughter from To Kill a Mockingbird, became our namesake. She’s curious, courageous, empathetic, and driven to understand the world around her. Those are the values we carry in every story we help tell. Storytelling Tip:An origin story isn’t just for superheroes. Your “why” shapes your decisions, your message, and how others connect with you. Ask yourself: Why do I do what I do? That’s the story your audience actually wants to hear. We’d love to hear yours. Reply and share the “why” behind your work—we might feature it in an upcoming newsletter. |
SCOUT YOUR STORY
Get weekly, actionable storytelling hacks to help you captivate, sharpen, and make a lasting impact—whether in business, branding, or everyday conversations.
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