Eric Blackwell Joins JIG Media
as NYC Political Director

Brooklyn, NY — JIG Media announced today that Eric Blackwell, an award-winning journalist and former publisher of Fort Greene News, urban planner, and political strategist with deep ties to Brooklyn’s political community, has joined the company as Political Director. Blackwell will work closely with Vernon Jones, CEO of JIG Media, to expand the firm’s Political Communications division, providing both strategy and activation for a growing roster of political clients across New York City.

JIG Media brings together a rare set of tools that allow political clients to communicate consistently and effectively, including message development, professional press release creation, rapid news distribution, and the ability to reach voters with precision by zip code, neighborhood, and key demographics. The firm’s unique digital communications services have helped clients win upset election victories, leveling the playing field for candidates who may not have had traditional access to media, while also providing incumbents with an effective way to highlight legislative wins and ongoing district work.

In his new role, Blackwell will support political candidates, elected officials, advocacy organizations, and civic leaders with communications planning, message discipline, and execution. He will help guide press strategy, oversee the preparation of announcements and campaign updates, and ensure clients’ narratives remain clear, consistent, and amplified throughout the election cycle and beyond. Blackwell is being brought in to help manage and scale services for JIG Media’s growing client list of political candidates, as well as oversee politics across JIG Media’s network.

JIG Media provides communications activation through news distribution via NYC Newswire, a New York City-focused platform owned by JIG Media. NYC Newswire distributes news, announcements, and press releases to hyperlocal digital media publications within the NYC News Network, as well as to external NYC media outlets. NYC Newswire allows candidates and elected officials to keep their narrative on message and amplified, ensuring timely visibility and consistent public communication. NYC Newswire is the only newswire dedicated exclusively to New York City.

JIG Media owns and operates 15 independently run digital media publications, including NYCPolitics.com, BrooklynBuzz.com, EastNewYork.com, ClintonHill.com, NYCTeachers.com, NY for Seniors, EATandDrink.NYC, and others. Editors who manage NYC-focused hyperlocal and vertical publications regularly review NYC Newswire for relevant announcements and story ideas, helping ensure neighborhood-specific and issue-based coverage reaches the right audiences.

“I’m excited to be part of a company that truly understands how communications can change the dynamics of a race,” said Eric Blackwell. “JIG Media has the technology and infrastructure to help level the playing field for candidates who might otherwise be considered underdogs, while also giving incumbents a powerful way to highlight legislative wins and progress. I’ve been in and around politics for over 35 years, and I’ve never seen anything like what JIG Media offers to clients.”

“Eric is joining us at the right time,” said Vernon Jones, CEO of JIG Media. “Our political client list is growing quickly, and we don’t just provide political communications strategy, we provide real activation, which is something unique. We own the communications ecosystem and use AI to amplify client messaging quickly and effectively to the audiences that matter most, down to the zip code and neighborhood level. Eric’s experience and perspective will help us scale this division while continuing to deliver wins for our clients.”

In 2026, JIG Media plans to expand its media footprint with the launch of an additional 30 digital media publications, including BedStuyNews.com, FortGreeneNews.com, as well as other crucial hyperlocal neighborhood platforms. The goal of each platform is to provide hyperlocal information and resources that make a difference in residents’ everyday lives.  JIG Media’s goal is to have as many as 50 hyperlocal digital media platforms by the end of 2026.

About JIG Media

JIG Media is a Media-Powered Brooklyn-based Marketing and Communications firm providing visibility and amplification for businesses, nonprofits, political campaigns, and elected officials. JIG Media owns NYC Newswire and the NYC News Network, creating a hyperlocal digital media ecosystem. Its clients include political candidates, community developers, hospitality venues, entertainers, and healthcare companies.

About NYC Newswire

NYC Newswire is a press release distribution platform dedicated to New York City. It distributes news, announcements, and press releases for companies, brands, political candidates, elected officials, and community organizations to New York City hyperlocal digital media publications.

Media Contact
JIG Media
Wayne Jordan
SVP | JIG Media
[email protected]