Local News Day highlights community connection

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — Local media outlets across the Cape Fear region gathered downtown Thursday to mark Local News Day, offering residents a chance to meet the journalists who cover their community and learn more about how local news is produced.

The event brought together organizations including WWAY, Port City Daily, WHQR, and StarNews, all aiming to connect with the public face-to-face. Attendees were able to ask questions, gain insight into the reporting process, and better understand how journalists gather information and produce daily news coverage.

Organizers said the event was designed to highlight the role local journalism plays in keeping communities informed and engaged, while also building stronger relationships between newsrooms and the audiences they serve.

Shannan Bowen, CEO of NC Local, said events like this help foster meaningful connections.

“We believe that this is a great time to come out and meet communities, to learn more about the issues communities care about, and how to better reach and engage them,” said Bowen.

The recognition comes after both the Wilmington City Council and the New Hanover County Board of Commissioners earlier this week proclaimed the day as “Local News Day.”