Episode Details

In this episode of Rebuilding Local News, Zoe Chrisostomides (HON '26) speaks with John Osborn, editor of The Harvard Press, about the challenges facing local journalism today. They discuss the financial pressures on small newsrooms, shrinking staffs, community trust, the role of social media, and what communities lose when local newspapers disappear. Osborn also explains how The Harvard Press relies on community members to help keep local news alive.

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This is the first episode in a six part podcast series exploring the challenges facing local journalism and the possible paths forward.  

Rebuilding Local News was 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 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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Episode transcript can be found here.

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