Meet the Team: Ashley Morrison on Bravery, Burnout, and the Power of Storytelling

When Ashley Morrison first imagined her future in journalism, she pictured something out of Sex and the City, penning glossy columns for a fashion magazine, maybe living a life of glamour and big-city buzz. But life, as it often does, had other plans. After more than a decade as a fashion photographer, Morrison found herself drawn back to her first love: storytelling. Today, she's an investigative journalist for The Anniston Star, a fierce advocate for the voiceless, and a proud member of the Murder Creek Media volunteer team.

Ashley's path into journalism wasn't linear, but it was always rooted in a passion for truth and creativity. After relocating to Alabama and earning her degree in Communication and English, she found a way to merge her long-held love for forensics with her natural storytelling skills. That blend of curiosity and conviction eventually led her to apply for an investigative reporting role - a job that would give her the platform to dig deep, challenge systems, and uncover stories that might otherwise remain buried.

Her journalistic drive isn't about chasing headlines. It's about listening to everyday people, especially those who've been overlooked, silenced, or ignored.

"Elected officials get a mouthpiece all the time," she says. "It's when I get the chance to be a voice for regular everyday people who have a story to tell that really moves me to do what I do."

Ashley's passion and tenacity caught the attention of Murder Creek Media founder Neeli Faulkner, who became the subject of a profile Morrison wrote for The Anniston Star. Inspired by Neeli's transformation from file clerk to investigative media leader, Ashley was eager to join the MCM team and their volunteer-led mission to uncover truth. "When I met Neeli, she told me of this lovely group of volunteers that get together and solve murder cases on Wednesday nights. I said, 'Where do I sign up?'"

Since joining the team, Ashley has made her mark, not just with her research skills but with the ethical lens she brings to every investigation. She emphasizes the importance of centering victims and their families, especially in cases involving trauma or violence. "I try to keep in mind that this isn't just some sensational story that is going to sell newspapers," she says. "These are real people with real stories that my words could have a major impact."

One of the tools that's helped her stay focused and organized in recent months is AI, especially transcription tools like Otter.ai, which allow her to quickly scan and highlight important quotes from long interviews or meetings. But while technology can streamline the process, the heart of investigative journalism remains human, and often emotional.

That truth was reinforced when Ashley recently attended the Council on Foreign Relations local journalist workshop in New York City. The event, held over two days near Central Park, brought together reporters from outlets like The New York Times, Chicago Tribune, and Boston Globe to discuss how to localize global and national issues. Morrison noted, "They all struggle with the exact same issues that I do; burnout, deadlines, and the never-ending pile of stories. I felt seen!"

Photo courtesy of Ashley Morrison

One of her biggest takeaways came from journalist Jodie Ginsberg, who told attendees, "We are not stenographers. We are not mouthpieces. We are trained to ask the hard questions." That sentiment hit home for Ashley, who admits she sometimes questions whether she's truly making an impact. "It reminded me not to sell myself short, and that I am highly capable," she says, "The newspaper isn't just a newspaper anymore. MCM isn't just a media group. It's our brand. And we need to be treating it as such. Everything we put out, everything that we work on, is a representation of that company."

It's that belief in the power of journalism that drives her work at Murder Creek Media. One moment that left a lasting impression came during the team's investigation into the Brenda Peters case, when they noticed that some of the photos in the official case file did not appear to be of Brenda. Through detailed, respectful research, the MCM volunteer team was able to identify the woman in the misattributed images and locate authentic photos of Brenda. This discovery wasn't made to criticize, but to assist. By sharing their findings, the team was able to support law enforcement efforts and help ensure the integrity of the case file as the investigation moves forward.

For Morrison, these are the kinds of stories that fuel her mission: give a voice to the unheard and amplify the voices that deserve attention. And in an era where misinformation spreads faster than facts, especially on social media, she believes workshops like the one hosted by CFR are critical. They teach journalists how to correct the record, how to reach diverse audiences, and how to better understand who they're really writing for.

When asked what advice she'd give to aspiring investigative reporters, her answer is simple: patience.

"This career - its end goals, its sources, the truth - it's an elephant you eat one bite at a time."

At Murder Creek Media, we're honored to work alongside journalists like Ashley Morrison who do the hard, unglamorous, necessary work of truth-telling. Her courage, clarity, and compassion are exactly what this industry - and the world - needs.