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 3: Preston and Dalton talk Data Centers, Costco, and Primaries
Welcome to episode 3, where Preston and Dalton switch gears and talk to each other about ongoing events in Boone, Fletcher, and across North Carolina. Together, they talk about Data Centers and their impacts, what they do as local leaders to provide protections, the...
Rose Hoban: Considering Artificial Intelligence for local news reporting
The Editor-in-Chief at the local newsroom N.C. Health News considers the ethical use of AI in a local newsroom — and finds AI won’t soon replace humans in many respects.
Preston Blakely: My grandmothers couldn’t vote freely. I’m now the Mayor.
Mayor Preston Blakely of Fletcher, N.C., reflects on his legacy and the struggle for Civil Rights that he inherited from his family.
Kimberly Jones: Public education is a sacred obligation
In a column based on a speech given as the outgoing N.C. Teacher of the Year, educator Kimberly Jones reflects on the importance of public schools.
Crystal Barnes: N.C. does not need massive, expensive Duke Energy pipelines
The writer raises concerns about a proposed pipeline planned for central North Carolina, particularly high costs passed onto ratepayers.
Rev. Della Owens: Lawmakers should kill the ‘Big Deadly Bill’
Rev. Della Owens, who organizes with the N.C.-based faith movement Repairers of the Breach, argues the budget bill being considered in the U.S. Congress will have deadly consequences for North Carolina if it is passed.
Gwen Frisbie-Fulton: The real reason we’re being told to hate Pride
Small town pride events showcase the best of us. Why do some want to stoke hate?
Debbie DeWeese: Don’t cut our healthcare to give tax breaks to the rich
A bill making its way through the U.S. Senate would be devastating for the millions of people on Medicaid in North Carolina.
Preston Blakely: Political assassinations in Minnesota call for a reminder of our shared humanity
A small town North Carolina mayor reflects on the recent violence and how we can change the tide of growing violence and intimidation against our leaders.