Why Colin Scroggins of CNAW matters to our community.

In most cities, breaking news comes from newsrooms with layers of staff and long editorial chains. In our community, some of the biggest stories have come from someone who started simply because he cared enough to show up.

Colin Scroggins began reporting while he was still in high school, long before it was expected or required. While other teenagers were focused on sports, social lives, or weekends off, Colin was tracking scanner calls, verifying details, and making sure people knew what was happening around them in real time. What started as curiosity quickly turned into self imposed responsibility. People were paying attention, and he understood that accuracy mattered.

As he moved into college, that responsibility didn’t fade. If anything, it grew heavier. Balancing coursework, exams, and a personal life while continuing to report would be enough to slow most people down. It didn’t slow Colin. He continued to break major stories, often being the first to share information the public needed, while still committing himself to his education and growth.

During that time, life didn’t stay kind or easy. When  personal tragedy happened, many would have stepped back, and no one would have blamed them. Colin didn’t disappear. He kept going, even when it would have been understandable to stop. That choice said more about his character than any headline ever could.

What sets Colin apart is not just speed, but balance. He has shown the best of our city, highlighting moments of pride, resilience, and generosity. He has also shown the hardest parts, the moments no one wants to face but everyone deserves to understand. Covering both takes courage. It’s easier to be liked when you only share the good. Colin chose honesty instead.

With that honesty came criticism. As his audience grew, so did the noise. He faced harsh comments, unfair assumptions, and outright cruelty from people who disagreed with what he shared or simply didn’t like hearing the truth. Instead of reacting emotionally or picking sides, he leaned into transparency. He explained what he knew, what he didn’t, and why he reported what he did. He chose fairness even when it meant taking heat.

Over time, that consistency built trust. People now check his page not just for updates, but for clarity. They know they’ll get information without spin, without exaggeration, and without ego. That kind of trust isn’t accidental. It’s earned, post by post, decision by decision.

Colin Scroggins has changed how local news moves in our area. He proved that dedication, ethics, and respect for the community can matter just as much as a logo or a broadcast desk. He did it while growing up in public, learning in real time, and carrying far more weight than most people his age ever should have had to.

Our city is better informed because he chose to care.