Small But Mighty: How The B-Town Blog Became a Cornerstone of Local Journalism

At a time when local newsrooms are shrinking across the country, one South King County publication continues to grow its impact—one story, one neighbor, and one headline at a time.

Meet the team behind The B-Town Blog—a family-run, hyperlocal news platform that has been covering the Burien community since 2007. Founded and operated by Scott Schaefer and Theresa Schaefer, the publication has become a trusted, go-to source for everything from city government and public safety to arts, business, and community events.

And their work hasn’t gone unnoticed.

In a recent City of Burien survey, 71% of respondents ranked The B-Town Blog as the #1 local news source—a powerful testament to the role it plays in keeping the community informed and connected.

A Founding Voice Behind Local News Day

This year, the publication is stepping onto a larger stage as a founding participant in Local News Day, a nationwide initiative dedicated to raising awareness—and critical funding—for independent local journalism.

Observed annually on April 9, Local News Day shines a spotlight on the essential role publications like The B-Town Blog play in preserving informed communities and healthy local economies.

More Than News—A Community Investment

For Scott and Theresa, this isn’t just about publishing stories—it’s about showing up.

Longtime Burien residents since 1995, the Schaefers have raised their family here while actively investing in the community they serve. Over the years, they’ve contributed tens of thousands of dollars in in-kind sponsorships supporting local nonprofits, schools, arts organizations, and community events.

Scott also extends that commitment through his leadership role with the Seattle Southside Chamber of Commerce, helping to champion local businesses and economic vitality across the region.

The Reality of Independent Journalism

Despite its reach and reputation, The B-Town Blog operates on a model familiar to many independent publishers: advertising-supported, community-backed, and constantly evolving.

“In an ever-shrinking local news landscape, we take seriously our commitment to serve our community,” Scott shares. “And we will keep doing this, no matter what happens.”

That commitment is exactly why community support matters.

How to Support

As The B-Town Blog looks to expand its coverage across Burien and South King County, readers and local businesses are invited to play a role in sustaining this essential work.

Support can take many forms—from monthly contributions to one-time donations. Even a small gesture helps ensure that timely, relevant, and deeply local stories continue to be told.

Because when local journalism thrives, communities do too.