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
Episode 17 – Dunk Tank Democracy
It's just the guys this week as Dalton and Preston catch up for the first news episode of season two. They swap dunk tank stories from their recent fundraisers, debate the best school lunch ahead of Preston's panel on no-cost school meals, and preview Dalton's trip to...
Episode 16 – Back to School Special with Kimberly Jones
The guys are back with the SEASON TWO PREMIERE, and this week it's a back to school special. Career education Kimberly Jones joins Dalton and Preston to discuss her recent op-ed for Beacon Media on the recent overturning of the Leandro case by the NC Supreme Court....
Gwen Frisbie-Fulton: Data center organizing putting candidates on notice across N.C.
North Carolina data center proposals are rousing many to take on local battles across ideological and partisan lines in communities across the state. By Gwen Frisbie-Fulton Beacon Media Photo by Nils Huenerfuerst on Unsplash If you drive through...
Kimberly Jones: Educators lost their ‘Leandro’ rallying cry — now we rally around purpose
The court case that North Carolina educators had long been hopeful would prod a reluctant General Assembly to produce a better public education system was dismissed this year by North Carolina’s top court. Those who care about North Carolina’s public schools need a...
Opinion: Working in the shadows, North carolina’s farmworkers deserve to be seen
The farmworkers who legally come to make North Carolina’s farms function are overworked, underpaid and endure brutal conditions. Will lawmakers recognize them?Farm workers and interns from Student Action with Farmworkers (SAF) play volleyball after an outreach visit...
Iliana Santillán: From North Carolina to Mexico, the World Cup was a reminder of our humanity
As the World Cup and the atmosphere around it has ended, it’s worth savoring the reminders it gave us. Iliana Santillán (front, left) sits was her father (right, middle) and friends before a World Cup game. By Iliana Santillán Beacon Media I went to Mexico this summer...
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...