“The Root of Good Health”

Documentary ScreeninGs

April 22-May 1, 2026

Episode 5 – ACA, Graig Meyer, and March Madness

In our second news episode with just our two hosts, Preston and Dalton, touch on an ongoing healthcare challenge related to a hospital in WNC, the replacement process for NC Senator Graig Meyer's seat, their own controversies, and wrap it up talking about March...

Iliana Santillán: What we can all learn from Suzy Geronimo

A transgender woman, Geronimo is a Henderson resident who has been detained by immigration authorities. Geronimo’s bold activism and standing in support of Latino and LGBTQ communities demands support from a broader community now, the author argues. By Iliana...

Episode 4 (PT 2) – Petey Smith McDowell: Belle Chere, Reddit, North Carolina Ghost Busters

Here's part two of our conversation with Petey Smith McDowell, known Asheville comic, influencer, and much more,. Follow Petey for all your AVL memes and for upcoming shows @peteysmithmcdowell. Big shoutouts to Preston's family business, Quality Janitorial Group Inc....

Iliana Santillán: This César Chavez Day, encouraging the whole truth 

After many came forward to tell stories of abuse at the hands of the celebrated Latino organizer of farmworkers, the author tells us how to honor this complex legacy.  By Iliana Santillán Beacon Media  A decade ago, when I was teaching fourth grade in Apex,...

Episode 4 – Petey Smith McDowell: AVL, Comedy, and Reading the Room

So excited that we had the Petey Smith McDowell, known Asheville comic, influencer, and much more, join us for our first in person episode! Together we talk comedy, politics, and Western North Carolina. Follow Petey for all your AVL memes and for upcoming shows...

Episode 3: Preston and Dalton talk Data Centers, Costco, and Primaries

Welcome to episode 3, where Preston and Dalton switch gears and talk to each other about ongoing events in Boone, Fletcher, and across North Carolina. Together, they talk about Data Centers and their impacts, what they do as local leaders to provide protections, the...

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.

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.