Episode Details

Local journalism is disappearing across the country, leaving many communities without reliable local news. At the same time, more people are getting information from social media and national headlines instead of stories happening in their own neighborhoods. So what happens when communities lose local news? And can forms of community media help rebuild trust and engagement? 

Rebuilding Local News is a new podcast series exploring the challenges facing local journalism and the possible paths forward.  

Episodes were written, produced, and edited by Zoe Chrisostomides, a 2026 graduate of Fitchburg State University.  The project was created as part of her Honors Program Thesis, during which she worked closely with her thesis advisor professor of journalism, Dr. Wafa Unus.  In addition to being a Commonwealth Honors Scholar, she majored in Business Administration and Interdisciplinary Studies, with a minor in Political Journalism. 

While at Fitchburg State Zoe was the co-creator of North Central News, an award-winning local news program produced in collaboration with Fitchburg Access Television (FATV).  Zoe is passionate about community-focused storytelling and local journalism and looks forward to a career in broadcast television.

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Rebuilding Local News release schedule:

• Tues Oct 6 - Ep. 1: "Impacts and Challenges in Local Journalism Today" 
• Friday Oct 9th - Ep. 2: "The Citizen Perspective"
• Friday Oct 16th - Ep. 3: "Broadcast and the Digital Transition" 
• Friday Oct 23rd - Ep. 4: "Community Media and Engagement"
• Friday Oct 30th - Ep. 5: "Politics and Local News"
• Friday Nov 6th - Ep. 6 "Looking Ahead: Rebuilding Trust and Solutions"

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Trailer transcript can be found here.

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#NewsEngagementDay is October 6th.  Read a local paper today and everyday.

Click here to learn more about Perseverantia.  Join us for programming updates on Instagram.  Or reach out with ideas or suggestions at podcasts@fitchburgstate.edu.