“It’s tough to quantify what’s been lost as more small-town newspapers disappear… but we’re trying to bring back stories that matter most to the people who live here.”
— Josiah Chatterton, The Forgottonia Times
In This Episode
In this episode of The Forgottonia Project, we sit down with Josiah Chatterton, founder of The Forgottonia Times; a small but mighty local newspaper based in western Illinois. Josiah shares his journey from working in corporate media to launching a publication devoted to uplifting local voices and preserving the cultural fabric of rural western Illinois. We discuss the role of journalism in combating “news deserts,” what makes local storytelling so vital, and how community members can help sustain independent media in small towns.
Poll Question
POLL- Do you still read your local newspaper — in print or online — and why (or why not)?
Click the link to cast your vote and share your perspective. We’d love to hear your thoughts!
WHAT YOU’LL LEARN ON THIS EPISODE:
- Understand how The Forgottonia Times began and what inspired its creation.
- Explore the challenges and opportunities facing small-town newspapers today.
- Reflect on the cultural and civic importance of local journalism in rural communities.
- Consider how educators, businesses, and citizens can collaborate to support storytelling that sustains local identity and pride.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
- What do we lose as more small-town newspapers disappear?
- How might local journalism evolve to meet the needs of younger audiences while maintaining its community roots?
- What roles do schools and educators play in fostering the next generation of rural storytellers?
- How can partnerships between education, business, and community organizations strengthen local culture and civic engagement?
- What’s one story from your own community that deserves to be told but rarely gets attention?
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- Local news isn’t dying, it’s evolving. But its survival depends on people who care.
- Journalism rooted in place gives voice to community pride and collective memory.
- Sustainable storytelling requires collaboration among citizens, educators, and small businesses.
- In a digital world, a printed newspaper can still connect generations in powerful ways.
RESOURCES FROM THE CONVERSATION:
- The Forgottonia Times (ForgottoniaTimes.com)
- Ellisville Opera House Shines in Modern-Day Forgottonia
- Be Kind Lift Heavy – The Macomb Salvation Army Gym Story mentioned in the interview
- America’s Changing Relationship with Local News (Pew Research Center)
The Forgottonia Project 