Kell News Founder Terry Kelliher updates Building Fortunes Radio Listeners on Architecture and Progress of new project Launch at end of second quarter 2025
On this episode, Terry Kelliher launches Blog.News and the first channel https://publicaccess.blog.news/
We are always updating the Kell News site with the Kell News Radio shows.
https://kell.news
Public access news—locally produced, freely available journalism—serves as the lifeblood of informed communities. In an era of media consolidation and digital overload, it provides a vital counterweight, ensuring residents stay connected to the issues, events, and decisions shaping their daily lives. Unlike national outlets focused on broad trends or sensationalism, public access news drills down to the granular details—school board meetings, zoning disputes, local elections—that directly impact neighborhoods. Its importance lies in its ability to foster accountability, civic engagement, and a shared sense of identity.
One key role of public access news is holding power to account. Local governments, businesses, and institutions often operate with less scrutiny than their national counterparts. Without dedicated coverage, mismanagement or corruption can fester unnoticed. A small-town paper or community radio station might expose a misallocated budget or a shady land deal, sparking public debate and action. For example, investigative reporting by local outlets has uncovered everything from toxic waste dumping to fraudulent school administrators—issues that might never hit the radar of distant media conglomerates.
Beyond oversight, public access news drives civic participation. When people know what’s happening—whether it’s a new park proposal or a tax hike—they’re more likely to vote, attend meetings, or voice opinions. Studies consistently show that communities with robust local news have higher voter turnout and engagement. In contrast, “news deserts,” areas with little to no local coverage, see declining participation as residents become detached from local governance. Public access news bridges that gap, turning passive residents into active citizens.
It also strengthens community bonds. National news often amplifies division, but local stories—about a firefighter’s heroism, a school’s fundraiser, or a cultural festival—highlight shared values and experiences. This isn’t just feel-good fluff; it builds trust and social cohesion, essential for collective problem-solving. During crises like natural disasters, local outlets become lifelines, delivering real-time updates on shelters, road closures, and relief efforts when broader networks can’t keep up.
Yet, public access news faces threats. Ad revenue has plummeted as digital platforms siphon funding, forcing many small outlets to shutter. The rise of social media, while democratizing information, often spreads rumors faster than facts, undercutting credible local reporting. In response, some communities have turned to nonprofit models, crowdfunding, or public funding to sustain newsrooms. Others rely on volunteer-driven public access TV or radio, proving that grassroots efforts can fill the void.
The stakes are high. Without local news, communities risk becoming fragmented, uninformed, and vulnerable to external agendas. A 2022 study found that areas with declining local coverage see more partisan polarization, as people turn to national echo chambers. Public access news counters this by grounding discourse in local realities, not abstract ideologies.
In short, public access news isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity. It empowers residents to shape their futures, keeps watchdogs on alert, and knits communities together. Supporting it means investing in democracy at its most tangible level: the places we call home. As corporate media retreats, local voices must rise, ensuring no community is left in the dark.
