Spotlighting Poetry News in Cincinnati and Beyond

CINCINNATI, OH — The world of poetry and spoken word has a new champion with the launch of The Def Times, a groundbreaking news media outlet dedicated to covering poetry, slam culture, and spoken word artistry across the United States. Founded by Def Poets Society, a leading force in Cincinnati’s thriving poetry community, The Def Times aims to fill a longstanding gap in media coverage for one of the most dynamic and culturally rich art forms in the nation.

With its tagline, “The Pulse of Poetry,” The Def Times will serve as a hub for poetry enthusiasts, providing in-depth stories, event coverage, interviews, and thought-provoking commentary on everything from grassroots open mics to national poetry slams. The outlet will also shine a spotlight on emerging poets, regional scenes, and organizations dedicated to advancing the art of spoken word.

“We’re thrilled to launch The Def Times as a platform to amplify the voices of poets and share the transformative power of spoken word,” said Nick “Fury” Blackburn, founder of Def Poets Society. “Poetry has always been a reflection of the times, and we’re here to capture and celebrate the movement as it unfolds.”

A Mission to Elevate Poetry

The Def Times will be more than just a news outlet—it will be a cultural force connecting poets, organizers, and fans. The publication’s content will include:

• Spotlight Features on standout poets and events.
• Slam Coverage from local competitions to national stages.
• Interviews with influential voices in the poetry world.
• Resource Guides for poets looking to hone their craft or find performance opportunities.

A New Era for Poetry Journalism

The idea for The Def Times was born from Def Poets Society’s commitment to making poetry accessible and impactful. With their ongoing success in launching residencies, events, and chapbooks, the team recognized the need for a central voice to unify and uplift the diverse poetry communities across the U.S.

“Poetry and spoken word deserve the same level of attention as other forms of art and entertainment,” said The Def Times Editor-in-Chief, Makiah Malan. “We’re here to make sure poets and their stories are seen, heard, and celebrated.”

Join the Movement

As The Def Times kicks off its first year, the outlet is inviting poets, organizers, and fans to contribute story ideas, share event details, and join the conversation on social media.

Whether you’re a seasoned poet or someone discovering spoken word for the first time, The Def Times is your go-to source for all things poetry. Visit TheDefTimes.com to stay updated and follow along as they build the future of poetry journalism.

Poetry is alive, thriving, and now has a media outlet to match its passion and power.