Episode Details

In this episode of Rebuilding Local News, "Broadcast and the Digital Transition," Zoe Chrisostomides (HON '26) speaks with speaks with Jack Brewster, CEO of Newsreel -- which touts itself as "a new home for the journalists and experts you trust" --  about how social media, algorithms, and short-form video are changing the way people consume local news. They discuss the challenges digital platforms create for serious reporting, the importance of adapting to new audiences, and how innovation could shape the future of local journalism.

This is the third episode in a six part podcast series exploring the challenges facing local journalism and the possible paths forward.  (The fourth episode ("Community Media and Engagement") will drop on Friday Oct 23.)

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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, 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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Episode transcript can be found here.

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