Presence News has closed its Slack workspace and transitioned its internal team communications to WhatsApp, the free messaging and calling platform owned by Meta.
The change is intended to simplify communication among Presence News editors, contributors and media team members while making it easier for participants to stay connected from their phones or computers.
Presence News experienced no billing disputes or account-related issues with Slack when closing its workspace. The decision was based on the organization’s evolving communication needs rather than a service complaint.
Why Presence News Chose WhatsApp
As Presence News continues working with contributors in different cities and countries, the organization wanted a communication platform that team members were already likely to have installed and understand how to use.
WhatsApp offers private messaging, group conversations, voice and video calls, document sharing, polls and event-planning features. Users can also access their conversations through WhatsApp Web or its desktop application. WhatsApp currently allows an account to be connected to as many as four additional devices.
The primary WhatsApp Messenger service is free and available across mobile and desktop devices.
These features provide Presence News with a straightforward way to coordinate assignments, share production updates and communicate about upcoming coverage without requiring contributors to join a paid workplace platform.
WhatsApp’s Use in the United States
Although WhatsApp has historically had a larger presence internationally, the service has established a meaningful user base in the United States.
Pew Research Center reported in 2024 that 29% of American adults used WhatsApp. More recent Pew research has also described WhatsApp as one of the platforms experiencing increased use among American adults.
The platform’s international reach is also useful for Presence News as the publication continues receiving readership and working with contributors beyond Southern California.
Supporting a Growing Independent Newsroom
Presence News launched in 2025 as an independent digital newsroom covering news, business, entertainment, culture and community stories.
Support Presence News by clicking here.
The publication regularly coordinates written articles, photography, on-camera interviews, video production and event coverage. Moving team communications to WhatsApp is expected to make it easier to exchange timely information while contributors are working in the field.
WhatsApp also provides default end-to-end encryption for personal messages and calls, although Presence News team members remain responsible for following the organization’s editorial procedures and avoiding the unnecessary transmission of sensitive information through group conversations.
The transition is part of Presence News’ ongoing effort to build an efficient and accessible communications structure as its contributor network and coverage continue to grow.
Presence News’ public editorial inquiries and requests for possible coverage will continue to be handled through its official website and email channels.