About Us
About Barrenside
Barrenside is an independent local news publication serving the Barrens region of South Central Kentucky. Launched in April 2026, Barrenside was created to deliver clear, fair, and accountable reporting on the issues that shape everyday life.
We cover the people, decisions, and issues that matter most to our community, including schools, local government, businesses, public safety, culture, and community events.
Our mission to you: To deliver thoughtful, community-rooted journalism that elevates local voices, holds power accountable, and sparks curiosity, inviting South Central Kentucky to explore, question, and engage with the stories that shape their lives.
The name Barrenside reflects both home and perspective. Just like courtside or nightside signal a vantage point, Barrenside is our view from here in Barren County, covering the stories that matter most to this community and beyond.
Our focus is local by design because well-informed communities are stronger communities.
Barrenside operates with a firm commitment to editorial independence and ethical journalism. Our reporting is guided by the Society of Professional Journalists Code of Ethics, and our coverage is not influenced by advertisers, sponsors, donors, or political interests.
About the Founder
Brennan Crain is a journalist and a native of Glasgow, Kentucky, with deep roots in South Central Kentucky reporting.
He began his career in broadcasting at WCLU Radio, where he developed a strong foundation in local storytelling and community-focused journalism.
His reporting during the December 2021 tornadoes in southcentral Kentucky earned statewide recognition, as did his compassionate coverage of a flooded animal shelter in Glasgow. Brennan has received multiple Kentucky Broadcasters Association awards for breaking news, public affairs, and feature reporting.
Brennan later joined WBKO-TV in 2023, where he covered a wide range of stories across South Central Kentucky communities. He served as assistant news director while also reporting and anchoring on various newscasts and streaming platforms.
Beyond the newsroom, Brennan is actively involved in the community. He serves on the Citizen Foster Care Review Board in Barren and Metcalfe counties and is a board member of the Barren County Alumni Association.
Brennan launched Barrenside in April 2026 to build an independent, community-centered news outlet focused on transparency, accountability, connection and local impact.
When he’s not reporting, Brennan enjoys reading, traveling and spending time with his family, including his wife Holly and their dachshund, Nellie.
Have a story to share? Reach him at brennan.crain@barrenside.com.
How We’re Funded
Barrenside is supported through a mix of reader subscriptions, sponsorships, and advertising. All of it makes this work possible and helps ensure Barrenside remains independent and sustainable.
There’s no algorithm deciding what you see, just straightforward reporting, delivered directly.
Join the Community
Barrenside is more than a news site. It’s a growing community of readers who care about where they live and how decisions are made.
Our work is free to read but not free to produce. If you value local journalism that is independent, transparent, and accountable, we invite you to be part of it.
Barrenside Professional Memberships
