Community by Design Episode 4 - Do You Hear What I Hear: Local Media

May 6

Community By Design is a podcast series, with host Jay Harrison, that takes a deeper look at how social infrastructure, our shared spaces, services, and community connections, shape daily life across our region. Listen more at https://communitybydesign.transistor.fm

Local media is more than a spot to find out what’s happening in your backyard. It’s the connective tissue of community life.

The fourth episode of the podcast series, Community By Design: Exploring Social Infrastructure in Waterloo Region, shines a light on how local media assists with weaving the fabric of community together, from holding power accountable to helping people connect with their neighbours, local groups and associations, as well as civic institutions.

“I like to think of our newspaper as the common thread, so we’re the one thing that has been tying people together for over 100 years... If they want to know what’s happening in their community, if they want to know what’s happening at the library, especially at council… I look at us as the tie that binds, with a cohesive element.” -- Irene Schmidt-Adeney, Writer at Ayr News

“Because it[ Ayr News] is us, it’s about our community, it’s about our neighbour, our friends, it’s about the life in a community. You can’t get that anywhere else… This gives you community, and it really is the heart of the community.” -- Sue Foxton, Mayor of North Dumfries, on Ayr News

Reliable local information isn’t a luxury; it’s foundational social infrastructure. When people don’t know what’s happening around them, they lose the ability to engage, access services, or feel connected.

Enter local journalism.

Amid the noise of propaganda and misinformation, local journalists remain grounded and determined to uncover the truth of the story. They slow us down and add context, making room for more voices to be heard. With more than 600 news outlets closing since 2008, this episode explores the importance of local journalism and asks listeners to reassess their perceptions of local media. It also shows us that there is vibrant local media available for residents of the region to participate in. Local media that should be supported.

“The biggest takeaway for listeners is to reframe their thinking of local news media and see it as a community resource rather than a commodity to consume.” -- Mirko Petricevic, Chief Ink-stigator (co-ordinator) of Ink-stained wretches

Listen to the podcast

CREDITS