The Story of Detroit
In a city making a major comeback, how do we truly highlight the story of Detroit?
Detroit has quickly transitioned into a powerful economic force – attracting residential and business developers from all areas of the world. This success can be attributed to a city united under revitalization, and a dedicated press covering this transition one day at a time.
For Crain’s Detroit Business managing editor, Michael Lee, there’s always amazing stories in Detroit – and it’s all about being on top of every narrative from the day it begins. With major developments beginning every single day, Crain’s Detroit has been more influential now than ever, to share the story of Detroit’s revitalization and success.
Lee manages a publication that strives to cover just about everything in the Motor City, with focuses on business and the economy that continues to thrive in Detroit.
Franco was lucky enough to sit down with Michael Lee as he shared his personal experiences in journalism, and with Crain’s Business Detroit.
Crain’s Detroit Business
Crain’s Business magazine began in 1985 with separate print publications in Detroit, Chicago, Cleveland and New York City, although these four cities are becoming more integrated in current issues.
Crain’s Detroit Business advocates for news that has local, economic impact through beats such as healthcare, real estate, technology, nonprofits, sports business and economic issues. Crain’s Detroit has changed with the times, just as Detroit has, and offers nearly 20 stories per day online to reach as many readers as they can with news. In addition to expanding their platforms of media, Lee explains that their newsroom has also been reconstructed for success – with one reporter on every beat, instead of using their typical breaking news team that consists of three people. This change in style has allowed their newsroom to produce reporters with specialized topics including Kirk Pinho – a real estate reporter who has captivated readers with his stories on development projects that have contributed towards Detroit’s path to success.
Pinho’s specialty at Crain’s Detroit has been real estate, most recently covering Ford’s purchase of the Michigan Central Train Station. This major news did not come easy, and Lee explains that his reporters spent days at a time at the site, dedicated to uncovering a story that would impact Detroit’s revitalization efforts forever.
Michael Lee
Michael Lee has had a wide range of experiences within the world of journalism. From working at the Oakland Press as a copy editor and page designer, to writing for the Associated Press in multiple section editing positions, Lee has a passion for writing and providing relevant news.
An average day as managing editor for Crain’s Detroit is jam-packed for Lee, beginning with streams of news as soon as he enters the office. Managing reporters and stories, editing news and creating newsletters are also average tasks for Lee – although he explains that Detroit’s success brings new experiences and opportunities for stories every single day.
We always appreciate media visits at Franco, and admire Michael Lee’s work regarding Detroit and Crain’s Business. From pitching to editing, Lee is a powerful force in the Detroit media – and continues to break major news in the Motor City as Detroit continues to inspire us every day.
What’s next for Detroit? You’ll have to keep your eye on Michael Lee at Crain’s Detroit to find out.
Katie Kalass is a public relations coordinator at Franco. Shoot her an email at [email protected].
