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
Opinion: Why we are asking ‘Do You Even Live Here?’
Two mayors from Western North Carolina are launching a new podcast, in partnership with Beacon Media, to answer a big question about the future of North Carolina. Preston Blakely (left) & Dalton George (right) By Preston Blakely and Dalton George Beacon Media Last...
Kimberly Jones: Access to a good education is a civil right. How do we plan to enforce it?
Deep cuts and layoffs to the U.S. Department of Education endanger our students and our democracy in North Carolina.
Democracy does, in fact, die in darkness
The end of an era at the Washington Post marks a turning point for media’s role in strengthening our democracy in North Carolina and beyond.
Martin Henson: A murder on a Charlotte train, exploited for Black blood
The writer argues that the murder of a white woman by a Black man on a train in Charlotte, N.C., became the latest incident used for political convenience by our leaders.
Opinion: The price of eggs isn’t my fault
A Hillsborough, N.C., author and farmer knows about the economics of eggs from the perch of his small farm.
Opinion: Where Does Western North Carolina Stand A Year After Helene?
Those who have stepped up in the wake of disaster — and those who must do more.
Opinion: A life in the shadows of North Carolina fields
A former child farmworker and the daughter of immigrants reflects on her life and the current moment.
Opinion: The children of Latino immigrants have shown me their community’s true story
A high school teacher writes that headlines about immigrants don’t match reality. So he wrote a book about how the Durham, N.C., community rallied behind one particular immigrant facing deportation.
Shannon Moretz: Let’s learn from preparation mistakes before the next Helene
After-action reports show state and local officials weren’t ready. Let’s prepare now before the next disaster.