Since its soft launch in April 2020, the Tampa Free Press has experienced significant digital growth, reaching audiences in 63 countries and achieving a 97% reach within the Tampa DMA. Headquartered in Hillsborough County, Florida, the digital platform is dedicated to delivering timely and relevant news content, with a focus on local issues, law enforcement, technology, and national news.
Tampa Free Press is committed to adapting to the evolving media landscape and engaging a younger audience through its innovative digital strategy. The publication is at the forefront of developing new technologies to enhance the user experience and provide cutting-edge advertising solutions.
“We are excited to partner with advertisers who are looking to reach a highly engaged audience,” said publisher Brian Burns. “Our platform offers unique opportunities for businesses to connect with consumers in the digital space. We are committed to transparency and will keep our advertising partners informed about new developments and technological advancements through press releases.”
Tampa Free Press is poised for continued growth and innovation, solidifying its position as a leading digital news source in the Tampa Bay area and beyond.
Owner and Publisher – Brian Burns
Brian is a Former Publisher of The Tampa Tribune and has over 18 years of experience in the publishing business. Starting his career with the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette in the early 2000s, Brian worked his way to becoming the VP of Digital for North Jersey Media Group with the Record and Herald News in Bergen County, New Jersey.
Brian took over as Publisher of the Tampa Tribune in 2013 and stayed in that role until the company was sold to the Times in 2016. In early 2017, Brian took over the role as Publisher of Gannett’s The Ledger and News Chief in Polk County until late 2019, when he left to start his own venture.
Brian has a strong track record of increasing geographic reach, market penetration, and revenues and developing new technologies to create profit centers.
VP of Sales – Ron Moates
A long-time sales professional with over 20 years with the New York Times Group and Gatehouse Media, Ron brings a results-oriented media sales acumen and passion for crafting strategic partnerships to the Tampa Free Press.
Ron has a keen understanding of audience trends and a proven ability to help brands achieve maximum exposure through innovative media solutions.
Sports – Rock Riley
Rock Riley started working with The Free Press covering sports, namely The Tampa Bay Buccaneers, in 2021.
In college, Jersey-born Rock Riley majored in communications but says he never set foot in a radio or TV studio while in school. His first on-air job, covering high school football for a local cable company, settled any doubts he may have had about what kind of career he wanted. It was definitely going to be sports broadcasting. He’s attended William Paterson University in Wayne, NJ, and then St. Leo College after relocating to Florida.
In 1997, he became the weekend TV host of “The Sports Connection” on Bright House cable’s Bay News 9 and was later promoted to weekday anchor two years later. His Tampa Bay radio stints include work on WFLA, WDAE, and 98.7The Fan WHFS.
Rock has been a national sports reporter covering Major League Baseball’s Colorado Rockies and the All Star Game, the NBA finals, and numerous Super Bowls. One, in particular, stands out – Super Bowl XXXVII, the Tampa Bay Bucs’ win in 2003.
Riley exited the cable network in December 2016 and returned to radio July 3, 2017, as the afternoon drive host for sports/talk WHBO AM-1040 The Team.
Sports– Tom Layberger
Since getting his start as a freelance writer at the St. Petersburg Times in 1990, Tom has worked for Beckett Publishing, The Topps Company, the Versus Network, and the NBC Sports Network.
In addition to writing for the The Free Press, the University of South Florida grad and Tampa resident contributes to forbes.com and Tampa Bay Business & Wealth Magazine.
Agriculture – Brad Buck, University Of Florida UF/IFAS
Politics – Liam Edgar
Local News
- Jake Grissom, jake@tampafp.com
- Maria Hernandez, maria@tampafp.com
- Danielle Shockey, danielle@tampafp.com
- Mike Jenkins, mike@tampafp.com
Copy Desk And Breaking News
- Jorge Borges, jorge@tampafp.com
- Liz Shultz, lizs@tampafp.com
- Bryan Vernard, bryan@tamapfp.com
Advertising Inquiries or Comments – admin@tampafp.com
PHONE: 813-279-1480
Mailing Address:
PO BOX 727
Land O’ Lakes, FL. 34639