New Orleans has introduced a new news service under the direction of Mayor LaToya Cantrell. The initiative features city employees producing a news magazine that will be available on the official YouTube channel of the city.

The program, called “City News,” aims to showcase the vibrant culture, diverse communities, and unique stories of New Orleans, according to a recent announcement from the administration.

Deputy Press Secretary Kourtney Williams commented on the initiative, stating that “City News is designed to meet the community where they are,” emphasizing the goal of engaging with citizens of New Orleans.

While a city spokesperson did not provide further details on the new outlet, it is anticipated that the program will feature not only news but also in-depth stories and uplifting content focused on New Orleans. Questions regarding the involvement of Mayor Cantrell in the production, the funding of the program, or overall costs remain unanswered.

Kourtney Williams will co-host “City News” alongside Raven Frederick, who serves as a digital communications director for the Mayor. Meanwhile, Steven Martinez, the city’s multimedia manager, will oversee production efforts for the show. The announcement also identified three individuals in producer roles, though it remains unclear if they are existing city staff members.

In recent months, Mayor Cantrell has steered clear of mainstream media, likely due to both a federal investigation and increasing political tensions from the City Council. Earlier this year, she also initiated a podcast aimed at narrowing the divide between New Orleans residents and their governmental representatives. However, reports indicate that only two episodes of the podcast have been released to date.