Denzel Burnside: Housing in N.C. is a roadblock to the American Dream

A staggering 86 percent of voters between 30-40 years old say housing costs are impacting their ability to reach other financial goals, like saving for retirement, starting a family, or buying a first home.  I see this data as a call to action—not just for lawmakers, but for all of us.
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Ray Hemachandra: North Carolina should show we value everyone — including those with disabilities

More than 14,000 North Carolinians with intellectual and developmental disabilities receive ‘Innovations Waiver’ benefits under Medicaid. My son is among those receiving help.

But thousands more North Carolinians with intellectual and developmental disabilities — almost 19,000 of them — are on the “Registry of Unmet Needs,” the waitlist to receive these services under Medicaid.

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Rose Hoban: Should teens’ driving requirements be shortened in North Carolina? 

As lawmakers in Raleigh consider a bill that would change the required hours for teens’ provisional permits, some are raising concerns.  By Rose HobanN.C. Health News  Credit: Ron Lach; Creative Commons License One night, not long after I’d graduated high...
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Gwen Frisbie-Fulton: Why the costs of childcare shouldn’t be borne alone 

As her son graduates high school, the writer realizes the tremendous costs of childcare early in her son’s life have ripple effects well past those years.  By Gwen Frisbie-Fulton Beacon Media Credit: PickPik I’m a heck of a proud mom.  My son is graduating next...
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Ryan Wegener: How a Confederate monument shows what’s possible

An organizer considers his and his town’s past as he confronts a time of political division.  By Ryan Wegener Beacon Media  Source: UNC Chapel Hill - Documenting the American South Most Confederate monuments face North to represent defending against the...
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Martin Henson: Student loan confusion, delays are stalling dreams

The writer calls on family and communities to rally around those affected by budget cuts and disarray in the federal government that is affecting student loans.  By Martin Henson Beacon Media Creative Commons license. Credit: Wikimedia Commons user...
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Beacon Media

STRENGTHENING NORTH CAROLINA

At Beacon Media, we publish stories across community-based media from local leaders who are deeply-involved advocates and messengers on issues like housing, healthcare, and education. Then, we distribute their words and ideas through partnerships and media outlets across every corner of our state in English and Spanish.

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Our Mission

To empower North Carolina’s communities by amplifying local voices and delivering stories and information that engage under-served audiences, empower community leaders and drive meaningful change.

Who We Are

We are committed to telling stories that matter. We collaborate with local leaders and organizations to ensure that powerful leaders in our state are heard and valued, placing an emphasis on both content and our syndication network.

Our Voices

Our voices represent the strength and diversity of North Carolina. Through powerful storytelling, we bring forward the perspectives that shape our communities and inspire progress.

Our Mission

To empower North Carolina’s communities by amplifying local voices and delivering stories and information that engage under-served audiences, empower community leaders and drive meaningful change.

Who We Are

We are committed to telling stories that matter. We collaborate with local leaders and organizations to ensure that powerful leaders in our state are heard and valued, placing an emphasis on both content and our syndication network.

Our Voices

Our voices represent the strength and diversity of North Carolina. Through powerful storytelling, we bring forward the perspectives that shape our communities and inspire progress.
BEACON MEDIA STORIES

Our Stories Are Free To Read & Free to Republish

We work with newspapers, radio stations, and other outlets across the state in both English and Spanish to share the voices of those advocating for a more equitable democracy throughout North Carolina. All of our stories are free to read and free to republish.
Our stories

WHO WE ARE

We Distribute Stories to Add Context & Perspective

North Carolina has the second largest rural population outside of Texas. We have people who have lived here for generations, and millions of people who have moved into our state in the past few years. We distribute content from thought leaders and advocates who understand the complexity of our state and who care deeply about policies that will make North Carolina a better place to live for all North Carolinians.

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Delivering Change, One Story at a Time

Our Mission in Action

Wide distribution of North Carolina’s most impactful community advocates

Commitment to media and outlets who have under-served audiences in N.C., including Black, Latino and rural area audiences

Weekly Op-Ed columns and regular radio content in production

Supporting under-served media outlets through free distribution of powerful community voices

MAKE A DIFFERENCE

Support our Cause

Your support helps Beacon Media amplify voices that are often unheard. By contributing to our mission, you’re investing in stories and people that matter—stories that drive progress in rural and underserved communities across the state. Your generosity allows us to bridge the gap between local voices and impactful change, ensuring critical issues like healthcare, education, and equity reach those who need to hear them most. Together, we can create a more informed and inclusive North Carolina, one story at a time.
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