Trio of local media discuss local issues, importance of independent journalism

By Ashley Reep | Wise News Network

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Shelby Independent Editor's note: The video above was an informal podcast-style conversation about the importance of local journalism. I didn't feel great that day and kept my talking to a minimum, but I want to thank Brandon Bridges of Cleveland County News for stepping up and covering the time while I stayed comparatively quiet.

Also, a BIG thank you to Rusty Wise, and his team, for inviting us to the WNN studios for a really great conversation about the importance of local journalism in a world filled with mostly national or regional news that overlooks our areas of coverage. We discussed several local issues and what we do to bring the news to you, with a peek into behind-the-scenes discussion.

You can listen to the video as just audio while you're driving, working or exercising; no need to waste an hour looking at our faces, just enjoy listening and I hope you come away from this discussion with a better understanding of what it's like to do what we do, every day.

Thank you for your support.

Chuck Thompson

The Shelby Independent

(Actual news story, courtesy of WNN, continued below...)

Cherryville, NC (WNN) — Wise News Network recently welcomed Chuck Thompson of the Shelby Independent and Brandon Bridges of Cleveland County News into the WNN studio, located in Cherryville, NC, for a conversation about the importance of local journalism.  Host Rusty Wise asked the guests why news matters to a community, prompting a broader discussion of current issues and the role local journalists play in keeping residents informed.

The conversation covered several topics, including the Cleveland County Justice Center budget and concerns about a lack of transparency toward local news outlets. Thompson and Bridges also shared some lighter and more entertaining stories from their experiences as local journalists, giving viewers a behind-the-scenes look at the people working to bring news to their communities.

Watch the video above for the full conversation. 

#LocalJournalismMatters

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Ashley Reep is a journalist and producer with The Wise News Network.

The Shelby Independent.