Ben Brown

Raleigh, Smithfield

As seen in: Medium, Nature, Adweek, MDPI, People, O'Reilly Media, Smithsonian Magazine, HuffPost UK, The Herald Sun, The Charlotte Observer and

Covers: environment, coastal issues, politics, tourism, wilmington n.c., voting, n.c. general assemby

Doesn't Cover: courts, crime

Covering North Carolina's legislature and other corners of state gov't for the Insider State Government News Service and the Raleigh News & Observer newspaper.

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Ben Brown’s Biography

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Covering North Carolina's legislature and other corners of state government for the Insider State Government News Service and the News & Observer newspaper of Raleigh, North Carolina. Previously worked in the southeast part of the state for a web/FM radio news outlet and, prior, a great coastal newspaper.

Ben Brown’s Journalist Portfolio

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Report eyes beach jobs, tourism, value to U.S.; area mayors press state, Congress for help

A former director of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' (USACE) problem-solving branch says the people who dri…

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Sen. Rabon: Tax reform talk straight ahead

Tax reform in North Carolina remains a cause in waiting as far as area legislators are concerned--but that so…

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South Carolina positioning to lure film industry; expanded incentives proposed

As area legislators praise the incentives North Carolina offers its film productions--and with those incentiv…

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'Beach nourishment' losing favor terminology-wise

"Beach nourishment" is both a legislative and local-budget priority at Carolina Beach. But on the legislative…

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Tourism officials: N.C. faring well, but should market harder

The first industry knocked to the ground in periods of recession is travel-and-tourism; then again, it's the …

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Hamilton, Tillis among sponsors of bill to pay eugenics victims

A first-wave of bills filed in the General Assembly on Wednesday included an effort of relief for victims of …

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Articles

How to Strayline for Snapper

Jan 23, 2026 |

By Ben Brown

| Fishing News NZ

In a country full of fishos who grew up obsessed with chasing snapper, there’s nothing more iconic than a good old-fashioned strayline session. It doesn’t get much simpler. A rod, a hook, and a big slab of bait drifted naturally down a berley trail in the hope that a hungry moocher is waiting in the shadows. For many of us, our earliest fishing memories revolve around straylining.

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Vigil raises awareness for road traffic victims on World Remembrance Day

Nov 16, 2025 |

By Ben Brown, Benjamin Brown

| KNXV-TV (Phoenix, AZ)

Vigil raises awareness for road traffic victims on World Remembrance Day Prev Next The third Sunday of November marks World Day of Remembrance for road traffic victims, and a vigil was held in Phoenix Sunday night to remember area victims. Posted PHOENIX — The third Sunday of November marks World Day of Remembrance for road traffic victims. On Sunday evening, members of the community came together to hold a vigil in Phoenix to remember the lives of loved ones taken too soon.

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Senator Kelly calls for immediate talks to end government shutdown

Oct 30, 2025 |

By Ben Brown

| KGUN-TV (Tucson, AZ)

PHOENIX — As the government shutdown hits day 29, ABC15 spoke one-on-one with Arizona Senator Mark Kelly to get answers on how and when the government will reopen. Both Senator Kelly and Senator Ruben Gallego are steadfast in their position that any deal to fund the government must involve extending the Obamacare tax credits. Kelly added that he thinks the shutdown will end when President Donald Trump weighs in. Watch Senator Kelly's interview with ABC15's Ben Brown in the video player above.

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Interview

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What was your first job as a journalist?

Writing about sewer construction (and I'll joke that it might've been a sign).

Have you ever used a typewriter?

Yes. It's the same one my late grandfather, a former EPA man, used to type his reports.

How is social media changing news?

Social media has transformed sourcing, gaffe-finding and is a laser for breaking news. It also allows for instant critical slap-back.

Awards

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N.C. Press Association Award

2011 - Investigative Reporting

First place

N.C. Press Association Award

2011 - News Feature Writing

First place

N.C. Press Association Award

2011 - Online Breaking News

First place

N.C. Press Association Award

2011 - Arts and Entertainment Reporting

First place

N.C. Press Association Award

2010 - Investigative Reporting

First place

N.C. Press Association Award

2010 - Lighter Columns

First place

N.C. Press Association Award

2010 - Arts and Entertainment Reporting

First place

N.C. Press Association Award

2010 - Best Video

First place

N.C. Press Association Award

2012 - News Enterprise Reporting

Second place

N.C. Press Association Award

2010 - Investigative Reporting

Second place

N.C. Press Association Award

2010 - General News Reporting

Second place

N.C. Press Association Award

2008 - General News Reporting

Second place

N.C. Press Association Award

2011 - Arts and Entertainment Reporting

Third place

Brunswick County Association of Realtors

2008 - Media

For reporting on real estate and development

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