Sometimes a story just stays with you. Maybe it was how it made you feel, or because your mind was blown by something you didn’t know before. Sometimes it’s meeting a character you can’t shake.
The WGLT staff produced (and read and listened to) a lot of stories in 2019, from politics to sports to music to social justice to new-business openings. Here are some of our favorites.
Melissa Libert, WGLT development director
Melissa’s favorite: Face The Music: Why Women Rarely Make It On Stage In Bloomington-Normal
“I talked back to my radio during this story which for me is always a sign something really speaks to me. Stories that challenge norms, inform our audience and encourage inclusion are always my favorites. Jon’s passion and knowledge about the music industry paired with Mary’s interest in issues disproportionately impacting women is a win-win. They make a great reporting team. Our team discussed women in music and representation a lot during the WGLT Summer Concert; we know we need to do better and lead by example. Six months later this story dives deeper into the issue, and I couldn’t be more proud of the newsroom.”
Edith Brady-Lunny, WGLT correspondent
Edith’s favorite: Blazing The Trail For Women Who Write
“This episode of McHistory on the first woman court reporter for The Pantagraph is a perfect blend of history and storytelling. With help from staff at the McLean County Museum of History, Cullen shares the story of Elizabeth Irons Folsom Fox, a woman seeking a writing post with real grit, something beyond a notetaker at social functions. With exquisite narration and a backdrop of piano music from the early 1900's, Blazing the trail for women who write offers a fascinating snapshot into the life of a local writer who went on to bigger pastures as a novelist. Reporter Mary Cullen puts it all together in this worthwhile production.”
R.C. McBride, WGLT general manager
R.C.’s favorite: Why Bloomington-Normal Still Has Two School Districts
“It’s a great example of what great journalism can and should do: provide context. The fact this community has two separate public school districts often seems silly to newcomers to Bloomington-Normal. But, as always, decisions made by generations of leaders and residents have led us to where we are. Whether that’s for good or otherwise is for the reader to decide, but it’s terrific to be informed with some well-researched background when making those judgements.”
Bobby Nash Castillo, WGLT corporate support director
Bobby’s favorite: WGLT's Culture Maven On The Legacy Of Mr. Rogers
“The holiday season is stressful, but it’s also a time of nostalgia for the simpler times of childhood. As our family celebrates our first holiday season with our daughter, I found Laura Kennedy’s conversation with WGLT’s Culture Maven Shari Zeck about the legacy of Mr. Rogers to be perfectly timed. The piece mentions a 2018 documentary ‘Won’t You Be My Neighbor?’ and the new ‘A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood,’ which demonstrate together that we long for the approach of Mr. Rogers now, more than ever. I couldn’t agree more with the identification of Mr. Rogers as a man of 'profound niceness,' but what made him a 'quiet revolutionary' is that he took on difficult events and issues with that signature compassion. I believe that public media strives toward the example set by Mr. Rogers (himself a vigorous advocate and defender of public media), so the piece also reminded me how fortunate this community is to have a robust public media organization like WGLT.”
Jon Norton, WGLT music director and Morning Edition host
Jon’s favorite: New Indie Wrestling Company Pins B-N Fans, With Eyes On Expansion
“I grew up northern Minnesota where my brother and I were enamored by what was called ‘All-Star Wrestling.’ The Crusher, Mad Dog Vachon, Handsome Harley Race, Black Jack Lanza, Doctor X … I could name 50 more easily in the next 5 minutes. They wrestled out of Minneapolis when Vern Gagne was the world champion. It was the goofiest thing that as kids we ate up. We got mad at Dad when he said, ‘They all go out and have beers together after matches.’ OK, they did, and still do, and though I’m not a fan anymore, this story brought back great childhood memories, and reminded me that deep inside, everyone wants to be star.”
Eric Stock, WGLT reporter
Eric’s favorite: Enrollment Exodus, multipart series with other Illinois public radio stations
“Enrollment Exodus enabled WGLT and other Illinois public radio stations to take a weeklong deep dive into one of the biggest challenges the state will face over the next generation, how so many public and private colleges and universities have struggled to retain the state’s best and brightest – and the long-term impact of losing so much talent will be for the state’s future.
The report sheds light on how Illinois’ economy—the state budget in particular—has forced public schools to scale back programs, and how liberal arts schools face the additional challenge of staying relevant when many college students are encouraged to pursue STEM careers.
It was also interesting to read how Illinois State University has largely bucked the statewide trend.”
Joe Deacon, WGLT correspondent
Joe’s favorite: Music Video Is Latest Link Between Online Threats, B-N Gun Violence
“My choice is an in-depth report from August on the link between an online music video and an outbreak of gang-related gun violence in Bloomington-Normal. Initially describing how police and prosecutors tied the rap video to a gun possession case, the story goes on to show how the song’s lyrics reference a pair of fatal shootings and then proceeds to detail how ‘real-world disputes’ are playing out on social media platforms. I found it to be an interesting revelation about the increased use of technology by rival factions and by law enforcement.”
Ryan Denham, WGLT digital content director
Ryan’s favorite: Rural Illinois Hardship Becomes Dollar Stores’ Gain
“Whenever Eric Stock bites into something, he takes a big bite. And that’s what happened in this story about how the rise of dollar and discount stories is playing out in central Illinois. This is an easy story to do if you’re lazy. You grab a few experts and they talk about how dollar stores are bad. But Eric did the hard version of the story. He spoke to real shoppers about the daily decision-making that can often make dollar stores the most viable option. And he got into the deeper questions about how the kinds of retail we have access to can affect our health, our economy, and so much more. Very nicely done.”
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