On Assignment

About On Assignment

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.

Publisher

Robert Sterner

Category

news · news

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

30 May 2025

Latest episode

23 Jun 2025

Latest episodes

5 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   23 Jun 2025

   From Doomscrolling to Civic Joy: Centering Solutions in Local Storytelling

   Nari Han discusses with host Liz Cochrane how local news can inspire action by focusing on solutions and building trust to promote civic joy through community storytelling in this interview.

2. 

   16 Jun 2025

   The Price of News: Finding a Future for Local Journalism

   Host Liz Cochrane interviews Malcolm Redd about the broken business model of local journalism and how news outlets are struggling to stay afloat.

3. 

   13 Jun 2025

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

   Marianne Keller examines the rise of news deserts across America, highlighting the disappearance of local news sources and the resulting impact on communities, especially those that are rural.

4. 

   9 Jun 2025

   Mapping Central PA's Information Landscape

   Host Gath Townsend interviews Marianne Keller, a media ecosystem expert, about Central Pennsylvania's Information Ecosystem Map, revealing how news sources impact community connection and participation.

5. 

   30 May 2025

   It's about trust.

   Host Liz Cochrane interviews Jane Swisshelm, an information ecosystem expert, about rebuilding trust in journalism through relationships, transparency, and community spaces, especially in local news.

Who has been a guest on On Assignment

Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.

• Nari Han
• Malcolm Redd
• Marianne Keller
• Jane Swisshelm

Podcast Authority Score: 4 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

9

Social presence

0

YouTube

0

Engagement

0

Contact On Assignment

Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.