On Assignment
On Assignment
Podcast Description
On Assignment is a podcast about the people, practices, and ideas shaping the future of journalism. Each episode dives into the evolving world of local media, journalism education, news innovation, and the urgent fight against disinformation. From conversations about newsroom funding and emerging technologies to rebuilding public trust and reimagining community storytelling, On Assignment explores the challenges and possibilities facing today’s news landscape. Whether you’re a journalist, student, educator, or simply someone who cares about credible information, this podcast is your place to listen, learn, and stay connected to the mission of public-interest journalism.
Podcast Insights
Content Themes
The podcast covers themes such as the sustainability of local journalism, the rise of news deserts, solutions journalism, and the importance of rebuilding trust in media. Episode examples include discussions on civic joy in storytelling, addressing the challenges of broken business models that fund news outlets, and exploring the significance of community engagement in rebuilding local news.
On Assignment is a podcast about the people, practices, and ideas shaping the future of journalism. Each episode dives into the evolving world of local media, journalism education, news innovation, and the urgent fight against disinformation. From conversations about newsroom funding and emerging technologies to rebuilding public trust and reimagining community storytelling, On Assignment explores the challenges and possibilities facing today’s news landscape. Whether you’re a journalist, student, educator, or simply someone who cares about credible information, this podcast is your place to listen, learn, and stay connected to the mission of public-interest journalism.
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.
Disclaimer
This podcast’s information is provided for general reference and was obtained from publicly accessible sources. The Podcast Collaborative neither produces nor verifies the content, accuracy, or suitability of this podcast. Views and opinions belong solely to the podcast creators and guests.
For a complete disclaimer, please see our Full Disclaimer on the archive page. The Podcast Collaborative bears no responsibility for the podcast’s themes, language, or overall content. Listener discretion is advised. Read our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy for more details.