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ELBERTA — As part of its Civic Access & Media Democracy Project, WUWU Community Radio will host two community conversations featuring area journalists.
The free public events will take place at the Elberta Labor Heritage Center, located 704 Frankfort Ave. in Elberta. They are designed to give community members a behind-the-scenes look at how local news is created, and why strong community journalism matters.
“Local journalism is essential to an informed and engaged community,” said organizer Arlene Sweeting. “These conversations will give residents an opportunity to better understand how reporters make decisions, research stories and serve the public interest in a rapidly changing media environment.”
The first community conversation will start at 7 p.m. July 23 and will feature Austin Rowlader and Colin Merry.
Rowlader is a freelance reporter and producer for Interlochen Public Radio based in Bellaire. His written work has appeared in Bridge Michigan and numerous northern Michigan newspapers.
He also coordinates Red Pine Radio and hosts The Antrim Writers Series.
Merry is a reporter for the Benzie County Record Patriot. A lifelong admirer of Benzie County’s lakes, streams and natural beauty, Merry grew up in Frankfort and studied at Northwestern Michigan College before graduating from Central Michigan University.
The journalists will discuss the role of local media, the challenges of reporting in a small community and the changing landscape of journalism.
The second community conversation will be held at 7 p.m. Aug. 6, featuring Ed Ronco and Jacob Wheeler.
Ronco is news director at Interlochen Public Radio, where he hosts Morning Edition and the daily news podcast The Up North Lowdown. He joined IPR in 2022 after nine years with KNKX Public Radio in Seattle/Tacoma.
Previously, he worked as a reporter at KCAW Raven Radio in Sitka, Alaska, and the South Bend Tribune in Indiana. A Michigan native, Ronco earned his journalism degree from Michigan State University.
Jacob Wheeler publishes the Glen Arbor Sun and works with student journalists at Northwestern Michigan College. His reporting has received recognition from Project Censored and the Michigan Press Association.
A native of Denmark, Jacob has reported from five continents, with work appearing in publications including The Rotarian, Utne Reader, In These Times, the Christian Science Monitor, the Detroit Free Press and the San Francisco Chronicle. He holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Michigan and an MFA in Creative Nonfiction Writing from Goucher College.
Seating is limited, and reservations are suggested. To reserve a space, email [email protected].
The Community Conversations are part of WUWU’s Civic Access & Media Democracy Project, an initiative focused on strengthening civic engagement, increasing access to local information, and exploring the vital role of community media in a healthy democracy. The project is supported by Press Forward Northern Michigan and hosted by the Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation.
