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.

Dalton George: How the Hellbender unites North Carolina’s mountains

The Hellbender is currently under review to be listed as endangered under the Endangered Species Act, as populations have dwindled due to pollution and overdevelopment. In many ways, its resiliency is part of what makes it so distinctly Appalachian. While development and the gentrification of Appalachia continue to displace historic working families, they’re also pushing out the Hellbender. 

Gwen Frisbie-Fulton: It’s been time for Southern unions

Amazon worker’s efforts in Garner, N.C., will help workers across the entire state and South. By Gwen Frisbie-Fulton While I’ve spent most of my life in the South, and most of that in North Carolina, I did spend a few years in Indiana. There was a lot to get used to....

Jacob Brooks: Mark Robinson has something to teach all of us

As former N.C. Lt Gov. Mark Robinson exits public life, Jacob Brooks reflects on the scandal-plagued former politician.  By Jacob Brooks Last fall, I was making my rounds at the county fairs across rural North Carolina. The smell of funnel cakes and the sight of big...

The Rev. C.J. Brinson: The Christian right does not know Jesus

Pastor C.J. Brinson takes on how President Donald Trump and his supporters have used religion in the president’s first days in office.  By C.J. Brinson If there is any question about the intentions of the Christian Right, all one needs to do is observe their...

The unheralded heroes of Hurricane Helene

First responders deserve praise for their efforts, but what about others who have made it possible to recover? By Dalton George  In the weeks and months after Hurricane Helene, I've seen many good stories about the police and fire departments that sent employees to...

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.

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.