We are calling this series “New Bull City” – but it’s neither a TV sitcom nor a fictional drama. It’s the true stories behind the rebirth of Durham, N.C. as a thriving entrepreneurial and technology hub.

Beginning next week, WRALTechWire launches the largest project ever undertaken in its history of more than 11 years during which we have published more than 25,000-plus stories about technology, life science and entrepreneurship.

“New Bull City” is about the remarkable Durham saga.

From a tobacco town to a city of medicine to a technology hub.

The series will include multiple stories and interviews each day. Those packages, which will focus on a different aspect of Durham’s rebirth, also will include photographs, graphics, and more.

Five WRALTechWire Insiders are contributing to the report.

In terms of story numbers and depth, interviews, profiles, photos, “New Bull City” dwarfs anything WRALTechWire has attempted to date.

And more projects are in the works as we attempt to expand a news franchise focused on covering the startups, the emerging companies, the successful (and occasional failing) ventures, the established tech and life science companies, the biggest ones, the entrepreneurs and the executives as well as the universities who are powering the Triangle toward the next century.

The “New Bull City” series will feature reports on:

  • Durham’s historic past and the actions taken that put in place the necessary ingredients for revival
  • The tech “Stars” the city has helped produce
  • The emerging success stories
  • Some of the failures – and the lessons learned from those
  • Building of the infrastructure of the reborn city
  • The social buzz – the mood, the drive – that is at the core of the rebirth
  • The enduring legacy and continuing importance of medicine and life science
  • And a look ahead: What are the next big things Durham needs to keep the miracle alive

Of course, reader feedback is always welcome. You can reach me directly (rsmith@wral.com) with ideas, feedback and suggestions.

New Bull City will be available to WRALTechWire Insiders. Membership information is available online.

A half-price introductory offer for membership expires on Thursday, May 16.

(Note: Rick Smith is editor and co-founder of WRALTechWire, which launched in January 2002 as Local Tech Wire.)