Beacon Media

STRENGTHENING NORTH CAROLINA

At Beacon Media, we publish stories across community-based media from local leaders who are deeply-involved advocates and messengers on issues like housing, healthcare, and education. Then, we distribute their words and ideas through partnerships and media outlets across every corner of our state in English and Spanish.

Learn More

  Our Mission

To empower North Carolina’s communities by amplifying local voices and delivering stories and information that engage under-served audiences, empower community leaders and drive meaningful change. 

Who We Are

We are committed to telling stories that matter. We collaborate with local leaders and organizations to ensure that powerful leaders in our state are heard and valued, placing an emphasis on both content and our syndication network.

Our Voices

Our voices represent the strength and diversity of North Carolina. Through powerful storytelling, we bring forward the perspectives that shape our communities and inspire progress.

OUR STORIES

Free to read and free to republish.

The fight for public education

The devastation brought by Hurricane Helene to western North Carolina has left communities grappling with significant loss and upheaval. And while there are so many areas that will need help, how our people recover will most assuredly pass directly through North Carolina’s public schools.

North Carolina expanded Medicaid. Now what?

Medicaid expansion is a lifeline, but in rural North Carolina, a lack of healthcare providers leaves many still struggling for care. How can we bridge the gap?

When a monster truck crossed the Currituck Sound

On July 4, 1994, Dennis Anderson drove the legendary monster truck, Grave Digger, across the Currituck Sound, making history.

Great Dismal Swamp isn’t as great, dismal or swampy as it used to be

Once vast and wild, the Great Dismal Swamp is now wooded, restored, thriving, and perfect for solitude seekers.

For Latinos, ‘parent’s rights’ should be about support and respect

Growing up, I aimed to leave rural North Carolina, but now I help Latino families navigate education through Casa Azul.

The stats that really matter in assessing K-12 education funding

North Carolina’s school funding ranks low in adequacy and equity, despite legislative focus on irrelevant state versus local sources.

How N.C. workers are changing the narrative on climate

Johnston County residents are organizing to secure Inflation Reduction Act funds for energy-efficient homes, addressing rising electric bills and climate impacts.

Ask politicians: What are you doing for renters?

North Carolina renters face rising costs, fees, and displacement, threatening community stability, while lawmakers continue to overlook tenant protections.

School vouchers are un-American

North Carolina’s expanded private school vouchers divert funds from public schools, weakening bonds and democracy. This threatens the shared values public schools instill in our communities.

Lessons for the rural housing crisis from Western N.C.

In Watauga County, realtor Sarah Davis is fighting back against soaring housing costs and LLCs, organizing locals to protect homeownership.

BEACON MEDIA STORIES

Our Stories Are Free To Read & Free to Republish

We work with newspapers, radio stations, and other outlets across the state in both English and Spanish to share the voices of those advocating for a more equitable democracy throughout North Carolina. All of our stories are free to read and free to republish.

WHO WE ARE

We Distribute Stories to Add Context & Perspective

North Carolina has the second largest rural population outside of Texas. We have people who have lived here for generations, and millions of people who have moved into our state in the past few years. We distribute content from thought leaders and advocates who understand the complexity of our state and who care deeply about policies that will make North Carolina a better place to live for all North Carolinians.

Delivering Change, One Story at a Time

Our Mission in Action

Wide distribution of North Carolina’s most impactful community advocates

Commitment to media and outlets who have under-served audiences in N.C., including Black, Latino and rural area audiences

Weekly Op-Ed columns and regular radio content in production

Supporting under-served media outlets through free distribution of powerful community voices

MAKE A DIFFERENCE

Support our Cause

Your support helps Beacon Media amplify voices that are often unheard. By contributing to our mission, you’re investing in stories and people that matter—stories that drive progress in rural and underserved communities across the state. Your generosity allows us to bridge the gap between local voices and impactful change, ensuring critical issues like healthcare, education, and equity reach those who need to hear them most. Together, we can create a more informed and inclusive North Carolina, one story at a time.