About Houston New Media
Building bridges across the Bayou City.
Houston is more than headlines. It's a city of neighborhoods, entrepreneurs, artists, families, and people working every day to make their communities stronger. We tell their stories—and help readers find the connections and opportunities behind them.
A local publication with a practical purpose
Houston New Media is an independent, Houston-focused publishing project built around a simple idea: local information becomes more valuable when people can use it.
We bring together original reporting, community stories, small-business opportunity intelligence, and useful resources. Whether we're following a major infrastructure proposal or highlighting a neighborhood organization, our goal is to connect developments across the city with the people they affect.
We believe a stronger Houston starts with better connections: between neighbors, between businesses and opportunities, and between good ideas and the people who can carry them forward.
Our roots
A Houston story years in the making.
Houston New Media traces its beginnings to 2008, when online publishing and social media were opening new ways for people to share local information, discover businesses, and connect across the city. The project grew from a hands-on interest in digital media, entrepreneurship, and community relationships—not from a traditional newsroom.
Over the years, its work has reflected a belief that independent publishing can do more than report events. It can amplify local voices, help small businesses become visible, connect neighbors with resources, and bring attention to people making a difference.
Today's Houston New Media carries that early spirit forward with a renewed emphasis on practical reporting, neighborhood knowledge, and opportunities that help Houstonians take part in the city's future.
Meet the creator
Founded by Laban “L.J.” Johnson.
Laban Johnson is a Houston-based publisher, entrepreneur, digital-media creator, and longtime small-business advocate. His background spans internet marketing, content creation, business operations, and community service. Houston New Media grew out of his belief in the power of media and technology to help people connect, learn, and build.
His Houston community involvement has included leadership and volunteer work, support for entrepreneurs, and helping bring people together through online communities—including Houston’s Minority-Owned Businesses. Those experiences continue to shape the publication's emphasis on local relationships, accessible information, and practical opportunity.
For Laban, Houston New Media is part of a larger commitment: use the tools available to strengthen communities and help good ideas find the people who can move them forward.
Connect with Laban: Follow his work and connect with him on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Threads.
What guides us
Reporting that connects.
Houston first
Our focus is the Bayou City: its neighborhoods, businesses, culture, people, and future.
Useful, not just interesting
We aim to turn news and research into practical pathways, with sources and context readers can follow.
Room for good news
Progress, kindness, creativity, and community-building deserve attention alongside challenges.
What you'll find here
Opportunity intelligence: Evidence-led reports that explain emerging projects, procurement pathways, and ways Houston's small businesses can prepare—without confusing proposals with open opportunities.
Neighborhoods and local business: A growing knowledge index connecting people with local entrepreneurs, organizations, places, and resources.
Community and culture: Stories about the people, arts, initiatives, and everyday contributions that give Houston its character.
We're building this publication in the open. Some sections are established; others are growing as we research and verify new information.