Mission Statement

Liberty Ledger Media exists to strengthen democracy through relentless government accountability. We believe that transparency is not optional—it is the foundation upon which free societies are built.

Using cutting-edge artificial intelligence combined with traditional investigative journalism, we monitor government actions 24/7 across the Texarkana region and expose fraud, waste, abuse, and civil rights violations wherever they occur.

"With proper civilian oversight and accountability, we can strengthen our communities by protecting civil rights and restoring trust in the institutions that help society function."

— Brandon Cowan, Founder

Three Pillars of Accountability

1. Transparency

Sunlight is the best disinfectant. We believe every government action—every contract, every vote, every dollar spent—should be accessible to the citizens it affects.

Our AI-powered systems monitor dozens of government sources continuously, ensuring that nothing escapes scrutiny. We archive everything, creating a permanent public record that cannot be erased or rewritten.

What we do:

  • Monitor 35+ government agenda sources daily
  • Archive all public records for historical reference
  • Publish raw data alongside our reporting
  • Provide FOIA request templates and training

2. Investigation

Data reveals patterns; journalism reveals truth. While our technology identifies red flags, human journalists dig deeper—conducting interviews, filing FOIA requests, analyzing documents, and holding officials accountable face-to-face.

We pursue stories that matter: no-bid contracts to political allies, civil rights violations, wasteful spending, conflicts of interest, and systemic corruption.

What we do:

  • Investigate AI-flagged newsworthy items
  • File strategic FOIA requests
  • Develop confidential sources
  • Cross-reference data across multiple systems
  • Publish thoroughly sourced, legally defensible investigations

3. Empowerment

An informed citizenry is democracy's first line of defense. We don't just report—we educate. Our mission is to empower citizens with the knowledge and tools to hold their own government accountable.

Through workshops, guides, and community engagement, we train citizens in FOIA requests, civic participation, and watchdog journalism.

What we do:

  • Publish educational resources on government transparency
  • Conduct FOIA workshops for citizens
  • Provide templates for public records requests
  • Offer free access to major investigations
  • Build tools citizens can use for oversight

Our Escalation Ladder

Liberty Ledger operates on a clear escalation model: We believe in giving officials the opportunity to do the right thing before exposing wrongdoing publicly. However, we will not be deterred by stonewalling or intimidation.

  1. Monitor — Our AI systems track government activity 24/7, flagging items of public interest.
  2. Research — When red flags appear, we investigate further: FOIA requests, document analysis, source interviews.
  3. Question — We reach out to officials for comment, giving them the opportunity to explain their actions.
  4. Report — If concerns remain unanswered or explanations are insufficient, we publish our findings with full documentation.
  5. Follow Up — We don't drop stories. We continue monitoring and reporting until accountability is achieved or reform is implemented.
  6. Escalate — If local accountability fails, we escalate to state authorities, partner with larger outlets, or involve legal advocacy organizations.

Editorial Rules & Standards

Accuracy Above All

Every claim we publish must be thoroughly sourced and legally defensible. We fact-check aggressively, document meticulously, and correct errors immediately.

Independence Always

We accept no government funding, no corporate sponsorships from entities we cover, and no advertising that could compromise our editorial independence. Our loyalty is to truth and the public interest—nothing else.

Transparency in Everything

We hold ourselves to the same standard we demand of government. Our funding sources, our methodology, our corrections policy—all are public. We archive our own work permanently and make raw data available whenever possible.

Source Protection

We use encrypted communications, protect confidential sources, and will never reveal a source's identity without their explicit permission—even under legal pressure.

Fairness to All

Every subject of our reporting receives the opportunity to respond before publication. We present opposing viewpoints and allow officials to explain their actions. But fairness does not mean false balance—when the facts are clear, we report them clearly.

No Sacred Cows

We hold ALL officials accountable regardless of political party, personal relationships, or pressure from powerful interests. The law applies equally; so does our scrutiny.

Why a Veteran Leads This Work

Founder Brandon Cowan served two tours in Operation Iraqi Freedom and one in Operation Enduring Freedom (Afghanistan) as a U.S. Navy Hospital Corpsman. As a 100% disabled veteran, he has experienced firsthand both the strength of American institutions when they function properly—and the devastating consequences when accountability fails.

Military service teaches that accountability is not optional. When lives are on the line, every decision matters. Every leader is responsible. Every system must function with precision.

That same standard should apply to civilian government. Taxpayer money is sacred. Civil rights are non-negotiable. Transparency is not a courtesy—it is a duty.

Liberty Ledger exists because Brandon believes that the oath he took to defend the Constitution didn't end when he left the military. It continues in this work: protecting democracy through vigilance, holding power accountable, and ensuring that government serves the people—not the other way around.

Join the Mission

Accountability journalism works only with community support. We invite you to join us in this mission—whether as a subscriber, a source, a volunteer, or simply a concerned citizen who believes transparency matters.

Together, we can build a region where government operates in the light, where officials answer to the people they serve, and where democracy is strengthened through truth.

Contact us to get involved.