From Doomscrolling to Civic Joy: Centering Solutions in Local Storytelling

On Assignment by The Assignment Desk

#News Talk #News #Robert Sterner #Journalism #Local News #News Media #Media Literacy #Misinformation #Disinformation #News Trust #Journalism Education #Community Journalism #Civic Engagement #Media Innovation #Journalism Technology

47:59

Ep. 42 - RevPar Problems, Real Talk: When Memes Meet Metrics with Calvin Tilokee How do revenue managers really think? What makes hotel rates spike during Taylor Swift concerts—or Bigfoot conventions? And why do memes about ADR hit harder than your star report? In this episode of Tickets to Travel: The Business of Travel Experiences , we sit down with Calvin Tilokee of RevPAR Media, the sharp mind behind the viral @RevPARProblems Instagram account. Calvin pulls back the curtain on hotel pricing strategy, compression events, influencer marketing, and what event producers often get wrong when pitching to hotels. Whether you’re trying to block rooms for a major festival, fill your hotel over a soft week, or just want to understand the secret language of revenue managers, this episode is packed with insight and humor. This episode is a must-listen for hotel sales and revenue teams, meeting and event planners, festival promoters, and hospitality marketers. Follow @RevPARProblems on Instagram for daily hotel truths and satire. And subscribe now to hear why Calvin says: “We don’t need your group when we’re already full. Call us the week after Christmas.” For more insider conversations at the intersection of travel, ticketing, and live experiences, follow us on all socials @Tix2TravelPod and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. If you haven’t listened yet, head to www.tttpod.com to catch up on past episodes.…

15 days ago 7:13

MP3•Episode home

What if local news could do more than report problems—what if it could inspire action and connection?

In this episode, host Liz Cochrane speaks with Nari Han about the growing disconnect many people feel when faced with a relentless stream of bad news. Together, they explore how the concept of "civic joy" offers a new path forward: storytelling that builds trust, reflects community resilience, and invites meaningful engagement.

We explore:

How constant negativity fuels disconnection
The shift “upstream from news” toward actionable, human-centered information
What “solutions journalism” looks like in local practice
How storytelling can foster trust, civic pride, and agency
Real-world ideas: community spotlights, story skill shares, and neighborhood idea labs

Tune in to hear how reimagining the role of news can transform doomscrolling into a shared sense of purpose.

8 episodes

From Doomscrolling to Civic Joy: Centering Solutions in Local Storytelling

On Assignment by The Assignment Desk

published 15 days ago

MP3•Episode home

What if local news could do more than report problems—what if it could inspire action and connection?

We explore:

How constant negativity fuels disconnection
The shift “upstream from news” toward actionable, human-centered information
What “solutions journalism” looks like in local practice
How storytelling can foster trust, civic pride, and agency
Real-world ideas: community spotlights, story skill shares, and neighborhood idea labs

Tune in to hear how reimagining the role of news can transform doomscrolling into a shared sense of purpose.

8 episodes

All episodes

On Assignment by The Assignment Desk

1
Bonus: From Doomscrolling to Civic Joy: How Local News Can Reconnect Us 10:04

11 days ago10:04

10:04

Why do we keep scrolling through headlines that only make us feel worse? In this bonus episode of On Assignment , guest host Nari Han—a researcher who explores why people disengage from news and what brings them back—guides us through the emotional and behavioral terrain of doomscrolling . With insights from research at the University of California, Harvard Health, and the Steinman Institute, Han explains how our brains are wired for bad news—and how that constant exposure can leave us feeling anxious, disconnected, and even misanthropic. But there’s a way out. This episode explores how local journalism, solutions reporting, and creative engagement strategies are helping audiences move from information fatigue to civic joy . Han unpacks evidence-based approaches that rebuild trust, highlight community strengths, and foster participation—offering listeners practical steps to stay informed without becoming overwhelmed. If you’ve ever felt consumed by the news but unsure how to break the cycle, this is the episode for you. Produced by Robert Sterner for The Assignment Desk. Next up on On Assignment : The Power of the Crowd: Reimagining Community Storytelling Submissions .…

On Assignment by The Assignment Desk

1
From Doomscrolling to Civic Joy: Centering Solutions in Local Storytelling 7:13

15 days ago7:13

7:13

What if local news could do more than report problems—what if it could inspire action and connection? In this episode, host Liz Cochrane speaks with Nari Han about the growing disconnect many people feel when faced with a relentless stream of bad news. Together, they explore how the concept of "civic joy" offers a new path forward: storytelling that builds trust, reflects community resilience, and invites meaningful engagement. We explore: How constant negativity fuels disconnection The shift “upstream from news” toward actionable, human-centered information What “solutions journalism” looks like in local practice How storytelling can foster trust, civic pride, and agency Real-world ideas: community spotlights, story skill shares, and neighborhood idea labs Tune in to hear how reimagining the role of news can transform doomscrolling into a shared sense of purpose.…

On Assignment by The Assignment Desk

1
Bonus: Who Pays for the News? Funding the Fourth Estate 8:24

18 days ago8:24

8:24

In this special bonus episode of On Assignment , Malcolm Redd steps into the host chair to explore the financial future of local journalism. As advertising dollars vanish into the coffers of Big Tech, newsrooms are scrambling to find sustainable models—from reader-funded startups and journalist-owned cooperatives to nonprofit newsrooms and public benefit corporations. Drawing on examples from Defector to Lookout Santa Cruz, and from Canadian policy to U.S. tax credits, Malcolm breaks down the innovative ownership structures and funding strategies reshaping the local news landscape. It’s a wide-ranging look at who pays for the news now—and what it might take to keep journalism alive where it’s needed most.…

On Assignment by The Assignment Desk

1
The Price of News: Finding a Future for Local Journalism 8:50

22 days ago8:50

8:50

In this episode of "On Assignment," host Liz Cochrane sits down with expert Malcolm Redd to explore the challenging landscape facing local news outlets in Central Pennsylvania. We dig into the broken business model that has traditionally funded local journalism. Malcolm explains how the old reliance on local advertising revenue has largely disappeared online, leaving newsrooms struggling to find ways to pay the bills. This has led to many local papers shrinking or even closing. We discuss the impact of these changes on our communities, including how social media, particularly Facebook, has become the primary source of news for many residents.... While convenient, this shift can sometimes mean less in-depth, fact-checked reporting. We also touch on how fewer than 4 in 10 Central Pennsylvanians feel "somewhat" connected to their community, a number that reliable local news can help improve1.... But it's not all challenging! Malcolm shares insights from community research about the search for sustainable solutions. The conversation goes "upstream from news" to look at building trust, centering solutions, and equipping people for civic action.... Listen in as we discuss promising new approaches, including: •Nonprofit or hybrid media models •Membership or community-based funding •Collaborative efforts among news organizations and community groups... •The potential of technology like AI to assist journalists •Focusing on solutions journalism and stories that build "civic joy"... •Rebuilding trust through relationships and transparency... This episode highlights that finding a sustainable future for local news isn't just about business models; it's about reimagining how news can serve and empower communities and is an invitation for everyone to help co-create what comes next.…

On Assignment by The Assignment Desk

1
Bonus: The Rise of News Deserts — Why It Matters for Your Community 10:40

25 days ago10:40

10:40

In this special supplemental episode of On Assignment , guest host Marianne Keller explores a growing crisis that’s quietly reshaping life in America: the expansion of news deserts — communities with little to no access to reliable local news. More than 3,200 newspapers have vanished since 2005. Jobs have disappeared. Local stories go untold. Government oversight weakens. And millions of people — particularly in rural, low-income, and minority communities — are left in an information void. We break down: What news deserts are and where they're spreading How a lack of local journalism harms democracy, accountability, and civic life The disproportionate impact on underserved communities Promising solutions: nonprofit newsrooms, philanthropic support, new ownership models, and policy innovations With insights from research at Northwestern, Columbia Journalism Review, Nieman Lab, UNC, and more, this episode dives deep into the consequences of vanishing local news — and what can be done to fix it.…

On Assignment by The Assignment Desk

1
Mapping Central PA's Information Ecosystem 9:14

29 days ago9:14

9:14

Where do people get their news—and what does that say about the health of our civic life? In this episode of On Assignment , host Gath Townsend is joined by media ecosystem expert Marianne Keller to unpack the findings of Central Pennsylvania first-ever Information Ecosystem Map. They explore how traditional and informal sources—from newspapers to Facebook groups—shape community connection, trust, and participation. Together, they discuss the decline of legacy news, the rise of social media, and the urgent need to reimagine local information systems for a more inclusive, connected, and action-ready future. 🎧 Topics include: News deserts and “information jungles” Rebuilding trust through relationships Why local voices and solutions matter How media can foster “civic joy” This episode is a starting point for anyone who believes local information should serve everyone —not just those already tuned in.…

On Assignment by The Assignment Desk

1
Bonus: How can news organizations earn back the public’s trust? 8:54

5 weeks ago8:54

8:54

Welcome to a special episode of On Assignment , where we explore journalism’s biggest questions and boldest challenges. Guest hosted by Jane Swisshelm, and today we’re asking: How can news organizations earn back the public’s trust? In a time of rampant misinformation, political polarization, and digital noise, trust in the media is at a critical low. But there are real, research-backed strategies that newsrooms are using right now to rebuild that connection with the public. We dive into: How transparency — like showing how stories are reported — boosts credibility. The power of “explain your process” tools and Trust Indicators. Why engagement and listening to communities fosters stronger relationships. The importance of accuracy, fairness, and authentically showing up in local news. And how “care” in journalism may be the next frontier in building lasting trust. With insights from the Center for Media Engagement, The Trust Project, Trusting News, ICFJ, the American Press Institute, and the Reuters Institute, this episode is packed with practical ideas for how journalism can not only survive — but thrive — by earning back your trust.…

On Assignment by The Assignment Desk

1
It's about trust. Rebuilding faith in news isn’t just about delivering facts. 8:17

5 weeks ago8:17