Journalism matters.

It’s more than just a phrase to the Morris Roberts Local Journalism Foundation, a non-profit organization created by the descendants of Morris Roberts in 2021, it is a mission.  We believe that quality journalism is the foundation of our democratic society and helps communities grow and thrive. 

Morris Roberts was inducted into the Texas Newspaper Foundation Hall of Fame earlier this year in recognition of his exemplary service to the profession over his lifetime.  At the award ceremony Catherine Roberts McHaney, daughter of Morris Roberts, remarked “The creation of this foundation is a fitting tribute to my father, who lived up to the highest journalistic standards.” 

The changing landscape of journalism has created the need more than ever for a new way to ensure quality journalism is done at the local level.  National news has overtaken much of the media landscape, but we believe residents in small to mid-sized communities need quality local information more than ever.  The journalistic principles of truthfulness, accuracy, objectivity, impartiality, fairness, and public accountability are needed in smaller communities as well.

This foundation is an exciting new way to honor and continue the legacy of Morris Roberts and these journalistic principles.  It has been created and will be sustained by like-minded individuals.

“Journalism is the pursuit of truth, even when the truth may not be known,” said Stephen McHaney, a board member of the foundation, and grandson of Morris Roberts. “The work we do in pursuit of truth helps make our communities stronger and it makes our democracy stronger.  It is no accident that freedom of the press was included in the First Amendment to the Constitution; it is fundamental to our democracy in which the government is accountable to the people.”

The foundation is built on the idea of supporting work that benefits small and mid-sized communities; that makes them better places to live for everyone. Moving forward, the foundation will provide financial support to organizations so that they can grow and expand journalistic efforts and develop the next generation of reporters.  We hope for your support in this endeavor.

The Morris Roberts Local Journalism Foundation will help fund the most important work being done by journalists. From paying for investigative reporters and editors to funding editors doing cutting-edge work in the field of analytical journalism, foundation supporters will play a critical role in helping make this possible.

Investigative work is the most time-consuming, costly, and rewarding work any journalist pursues. It is our hope that you will recognize this and help protect the future of journalism and the communities the journalists serve by donating to the foundation.

With his investment in the newspaper, Roberts became editor and manager of the Advocate.

In 1948-49 he served as president of the South Texas Press Association, a role his son John would also fill in 1978-79.

When Roberts first became involved with the Victoria Advocate, it had a circulation of 2,200, averaged six to eight pages for each edition, was published six days a week and had 20 employees on the staff. In April 1961, Roberts purchased all of the stock and became sole owner. He built and expanded buildings for the newspaper and installed a new offset press (the largest in Texas at the time). At the time of his death, Roberts had established the newspaper as a major influence for progress throughout the South Texas region.

Morris Roberts passed away January 13, 1991 leaving a legacy of quality journalism.