Our Stories
At Beacon Media, we focus on telling the stories that truly matter to our communities. Beacon Media is built around the people who are preserving and strengthening democracy in North Carolina communities. From healthcare and education to housing and justice, our stories are crafted to inform, inspire, and spark meaningful change. It is these community leaders and trusted messengers who will shift our collective narrative and show us what is possible — and then they are the ones who will make it a reality. We share their words and voices far and wide. That’s why all of our commentary is free to republish. We encourage you to use and share our work to help amplify the voices and issues that need attention across our state.
Read The Latest Stories
Gwen Frisbie-Fulton: This July 4th, a look back — and forward — at North Carolina’s collective power
North Carolina’s history is replete with examples of how community organizing made life better for so many of our communities. Does N.C.’s past hold the blueprint for a better collective future? Photo by Camylla Battani on Unsplash By Gwen...
Episode 15 – Season One Finale and America 250
In this week's episode, the guys wrap up season one and prepare for summer vacation as Jeremy Borden, longtime journalist and executive director of Beacon Media, turns the tables and asks them to reflect on the show so far. They share stories from listeners who...
Martin Henson: Juneteenth is my Fourth of July
Juneteenth has always felt to the writer, a Black man, like the day when those who care about the freedom of Black people in America can truly call a day of independence. By Martin Henson Beacon Media Juneteenth is my Fourth of July. It comes with all my favorite...
Reclaiming Masculinity and the WH UFC Fight w/ Martin Henson
BMEN founder Martin Henson joins Preston and Dalton for restorative justice, anime redemption arcs, and Black men's mental health. They also discuss the White House UFC event, Michelle Obama's mistreatment, Juneteenth's politicization, and a sports roundup covering...
Gwen Frisbie-Fulton: The real reason we’re told to hate Pride
Small town pride events showcase the best of us. Why do some still want to stoke hate? By Gwen Frisbie-Fulton Beacon Media Editor’s note: This column, first published in 2024, has been updated from its original version. Photo by Tong Su on Unsplash From...
Bringing Healthcare Home w/ Dr. Laurie Stradley
This week, Dr. Lori Stradley, director of Impact Health, joins Preston and Dalton to talk about what drives health outcomes before anyone ever sees a doctor. From rural transportation gaps to food box deliveries stabilizing families, Lori makes the case that investing...
Billy Corriher: The N.C. Supreme Court’s Duke Energy ruling made all of us poorer — and may enrich the Chief Justice
Conflict of interest rules for the judiciary should have prevented N.C. Supreme Court Chief Justice Paul Newby from ruling on Duke Energy’s rate hike, the author writes. By Billy Corriher Beacon Media Photo by Sasun Bughdaryan on Unsplash In late May,...
Opinion: How progressives are rebuilding trust in rural areas
Being a liberal in a rural area can be lonely. The author writes that progressives can lower the political temperature and restore trust in their beliefs through community projects. By Anthony Flaccavento Rural Urban Bridge Initiative In the summer of 2023 in...
Episode 12 – Finding the Joy in Politics with Hendersonville’s Gina Baxter
This week, the guys are back with a new guest! Dalton and Preston sit down with current Hendersonville City Councilmember, and friend of the show, Gina Baxter to growing up in WNC as a transplant, Appalachian identity, and her ongoing campaign for re-election this...