It started with a simple observation: the county's newspaper had lost its fire. Sold to a non-local conglomerate, run by a man who'd forgotten what real news looked like, the pages that once held Hampton County together had gone quiet on the things that matter most.

Today, that changes. Hampton Hero News is live and ready to report.

"We are building something different," said Franklin, Editor-at-Large. "A paper that answers to the community, not to shareholders. A paper that knows Hampton, Varnville, Estill, Brunson, Yemassee, Gifford, and Early Branch are not flyover territory — they are home."

The new outlet will cover breaking news, community events, local business profiles, and a signature feature: the Hampton Hero spotlight, profiling residents who make the county better through their actions.

"Every town has heroes. We intend to find them and tell their stories."

Hampton Hero News is independently owned and operated. The editorial team invites residents to submit story tips, nominate local heroes, and share what matters to them.

Contact: franklin@hamptonheronews.com