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 STORIES

Free to read and free to republish.

President Jimmy Carter’s Christian legacy

Writer and organizer Stevie Brooks says remembering President Carter’s legacy should prompt some religious reflection in North Carolina.  

Oh, (Sigh) Christmas Tree

Christmas tree farm politics is a real thing in Western North Carolina this holiday season. It shouldn’t be.

A government official encounters disinformation after Helene 

A Town Council member fights for people — and the truth. By Dalton George Just a day after Helene passed in late September, I found myself restless to do something to help.  An event with that scale of destruction often highlights the skills we lack. But I knew...

The fight for public education

The devastation brought by Hurricane Helene to western North Carolina has left communities grappling with significant loss and upheaval. And while there are so many areas that will need help, how our people recover will most assuredly pass directly through North Carolina’s public schools.

Mayor Smathers: Let’s come together and deliver for WNC

Canton Mayor Zeb Smathers calls on lawmakers in Raleigh to deliver for hurricane victims By Zeb Smathers From the moment Hurricane Helene unleashed its fury on North Carolina, we’ve witnessed the best of humanity. Neighbors of all beliefs, political parties,...

How do we find candidates who represent the working class?

This election shows that those who lead us should be the same people who make our society go. By Gwen Frisbie-Fulton I grew up tagging along behind my dad at construction sites. He would find a hard hat for me to wear, and it would wobble around on my too-small...

Being Frank: Sometimes, history rhymes in North Carolina

After the election, I keep thinking back to Frank Porter Graham’s progressive run for U.S. Senate in 1950.  By Jeremy Markovich N.C. Rabbit Hole Like millions of North Carolinians, I have many questions about the results of Tuesday’s election.  One that came...

Donald Trump is Betting his Anti-Trans Culture War wins on Election Day

Former President Trump’s campaign is spending millions on ads that focus on anti-trans and drag messaging.  By Gwen Frisbie-Fulton Voting has started in North Carolina and across the nation, and early reports say the lines are healthy and long. That’s exciting...

Students: Helene Made Climate Change And This Election Personal

By Lili Jones, Sam Ogburn and Lydia Pate When we said “climate change is real,” this is what we meant. When we said that inaction would cost us, this is what we were afraid of. When we were told to calm down, to compromise, to be patient, we grew frustrated. We were...

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.

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.

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.