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Abby Johnston

Editorial Director (She/Her)

Hey y’all, I’m Abby Johnston. I’m an editorial director, running The 19th News Network and editing our economy and health coverage. I was one of the founding editors here, helping shape the stories, systems and Slack chaos that make this place. I’ve led and edited projects that won us a National Murrow Award and an Online Journalism Award. 

I care deeply about The 19th’s mission to spotlight the people and stories that mainstream media relegates to the margins. I’m a sixth-generation Texan, and I grew up watching national media reduce my home to caricature. Now, I am drawn to stories with nuance and heart, stories that challenge. I love people-centered journalism that illuminates complicated issues and forces readers to think critically about impact. 

Before The 19th, I worked at Texas Monthly, FRONTLINE and the Texas Observer. I am a proud graduate of the University of Texas (where I have served as an adjunct) and the University of Missouri. In sunny Austin, you can find me running, playing mediocre tennis and music, and spending time with my family.

My work is free to consume and free to republish because of contributions from readers like you. A donation of $19 goes a long way toward sustaining our nonprofit newsroom.

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