Business Alabama magazine on Monday night held is first-ever Top Women in Media awards dinner.
Alabama Political Reporter‘s Susan Britt was among the women selected for the honor.
“I’m very honored to be selected for this award alongside these other inspirational women; it is truly humbling,” said Susan. “For a little ol’ gal from Attalla, Alabama its seems like a dream somedays, but it shows that with hard work, a little luck and a singular vision any woman can do whatever she sets her mind to accomplish.”
The event was established to honor women in media across Alabama who demonstrate outstanding performance and leadership ability, according to Business Alabama. “This program celebrates women in every role of media who are making a difference in their communities.”
Nearly ten years ago, Susan and her husband, Bill, combined his years of journalism with her decades in technology to bring about an innovative news outlet that covers Alabama politics.
Susan built the website at the Britt’s kitchen table at their family farm in Attalla, Alabama. From those humble beginnings, it now reaches the most influential individuals in the state and nation.
“APR‘s mission was simple,” said Susan. “Our goal was to inform, educate, and alert citizens about the interworking of state government.”
“We are very proud that Susan’s contribution to our state is being recognized,” said Bill. “Those who know the story of APR understand that Susan is the glue that holds the organization together.”
Under Susan’s supervision, APR has worked closely with many state agencies to examine public records and seek information beneficial to its readers and the state.
The Alabama Secretary of State’s office is one such office with which Susan has worked closely.
“Congratulations to Susan on this well-deserved recognition. She has consistently written in a manner that is informative, unbiased, and thorough,” said Secretary of State John Merrill upon hearing about Susan’s selection. “She holds people accountable, which is exactly what is needed in today’s society. Susan has distinguished herself from her peers, and I would like to commend her for the impact she is making in our state!”
Before launching APR, the Britts met with Republicans and Democrats to understand their thoughts on the news and what needed to be covered.
Susan met with tech advisors and former colleagues at New York City-based internet companies to adopt the best practices in building out the website on a budget.
Using social media, APR grew its audience to include the most dominant players in politics and business from Washington County, Alabama, to Washington, D.C.
APR not only informs its readers on what is happening but why.
“From the beginning, the goal was not to just get the story, ” said Susan. “But to get behind the story to understand and expose the machinations of state government.”
Recognized for its hard-hitting investigative reporting, APR is fearless in its approach to covering the news.
Beginning on a small farm in North Central Alabama, a couple with a dream now influences those within the halls’ power by offering honest reporting through technology.
