The Crisis of Access to Local News

08/30/23 • 47 min

It’s impossible not to admire the work that Tara McGowan has done in her short career so far. In just over 10 years, she’s built and executed multiple successful digital strategies on a national scale; first for President Obama’s reelection campaign in 2012, then Hillary Clinton’s 2016 bid for the presidency, and then in 2017 when she founded ACRONYM, a nonprofit organization building online infrastructure for progressive movements.

Out of ACRONYM grew Courier Newsroom, where Tara now devotes her full focus on tackling the nation’s information divide.

In this episode, we had a chance to talk about the evolution of modern journalists, her take on the future of media in this country, and some of the challenges we face as a democracy with the erosion of access to local news.

Follow Tara McGowan on LinkedIn, Twitter / X, Instagram, and even Threads.

Out of ACRONYM grew Courier Newsroom, where Tara now devotes her full focus on tackling the nation’s information divide.

Follow Tara McGowan on LinkedIn, Twitter / X, Instagram, and even Threads.

Previous Episode

How the Internet Changed Film and Television

David Ebeltoft is a screenwriter whose work has been hailed as "suspenseful," "emotionally-driven," and "decidedly chilling." These phrases may also be used to describe the current situation in which screenwriters and actors find themselves. David joins the Paesanos Podcast to talk about the evolution of streaming and how the internet completely changed the film and television industry.

David's films have earned enthusiastic reviews from The New York Times, Variety, and The Village Voice. His most recent project, BLOOD FOR DUST, starring Scoot McNairy and Kit Harington, premiered at the 2023 Tribeca Film Festival. You can learn more about his work at DavidEbeltoft.com or by finding him on Instagram and Facebook.

Next Episode

9/11 Was Not a Conspiracy, Despite What You Saw on YouTube

Internet culture is all around us. It affects the way we communicate, the way we find relationships, the way we work - and for the purpose of this episode with Lieutenant Joe Torrillo, the way we perceive and learn about history. Lieutenant Torrillo was buried twice on the morning of September 11, 2001. In this conversation, he shares his incredible story - and also discusses how the internet has perpetuated and spread conspiracy theories about what happened that day.

As a retired FDNY Lieutenant, Joe now travels the world as an inspirational speaker in front of audiences of all sizes. He serves as a mentor for men and women in the armed forces and works with schools, corporations, and organizations to deliver thought-provoking speeches and ideas.

You can learn more about his story and his work - and inquire about speaking engagements - by visiting JoeTorrillo.com.