This week on Lean Local with Jim Schmitt, the focus turns to local news in Green Bay — where it’s thriving, where it’s fading, and why it matters.

Jim is joined by Mike Hollihan of the Press Times and Connie Fellman with Civic Media. They discuss how national headlines have replaced community coverage, leaving many local elections and stories unseen.

They unpack the rise of news deserts, the challenges local outlets face, and how rebuilding trust in neighborhood journalism could revive civic engagement in Northeast Wisconsin.

A grounded conversation on why strong local reporting isn’t just good for readers. It’s vital for the health of the community.

Lean Local is a part of the Civic Media radio network and airs Sunday’s from 1-2 PM on WGBW . Subscribe to the podcast on Spotify or Apple Podcasts to be sure not to miss out on a single episode! To learn more about the show and all of the programming across the Civic Media network, head over to https://civicmedia.us/shows to see the entire broadcast line up.

Dive into the heart of community issues with ‘Lean Local,’ hosted by former Green Bay Mayor Jim Schmitt. This refreshing political and issues program bypasses traditional left-versus-right rhetoric. Instead, it ‘leans local’ with insightful discussions and grassroots solutions, focusing on what truly matters in our neighborhoods and communities.