Year: 2026

David F. Gakodi gives a big smile. He is a young Black man wearing a black t-shirt with a microphone in front of him. A pink banner at the bottom of the photo reads ALL STORIES MATTER with Marvinetta Woodley-Penn
Impact Stories

In honor of David F. Gakodi

Last fall, video podcast host Marvinetta Woodley-Penn sat down with a young man named David F. Gakodi. She had no…

By
Cody Watson
An illustrated graphic contrasting community media and corporate media. On the left, a green panel shows a community-rooted media ecosystem — people with microphones, a local broadcast station, public infrastructure icons, and community investment. On the right, a blue panel depicts corporate media consolidation — a skyscraper controlling chained screens, money changing hands, and crumbling public spaces. Created with NotebookLM.
Notes from the Network

Media You Own vs. Media That Owns You

Someone asked me recently why Public Media Network even needs to exist. YouTube is free. Facebook reaches everyone. Why bother?…

By
Matt Schuster, PMN Creator
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Community

Gavel to Gavel: Upcoming Local Government Meetings and Key Agenda Items – April 13 – 16

Let's take a look at this week's local meetings, including the Kalamazoo Township Board of Trustees, Oshtemo Township Board, and…

By
Max Reist, PMN Creator
Alt text: A side-by-side illustration contrasting two media models. On the left, a blue funnel filters many media voices — represented by icons for video, audio, and people — down to a few controlled outputs, representing corporate media consolidation. On the right, a green speech bubble filled with the same variety of media icons surrounds the PMN logo, representing an open, community-centered media network where many voices are heard.
Notes from the Network

More Channels, Fewer Voices

Pick up your phone and you can access more media than any generation before you. News channels, streaming services, podcasts,…

By
Matt Schuster, PMN Creator
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Community

Gavel to Gavel: Local Government Meetings and Key Agenda Items – April 6 – 9

Let's take a closer look at this week's upcoming local government meetings: Monday (04/06) Comstock Township Board of Trustees (6:00…

By
Max Reist, PMN Creator
Two men sit at the table in the podcast studio, looking at each other. Both are wearing headphones and speaking into microphones. The man on the left has a laptop in front of him, and the man on the right has a book sitting near him titled "A Fighter's Chance".
Impact Stories

“What this place has done for me” – Impact Story

After a lifetime in public service, Joseph Patrick Fair was ready for a new challenge. Joseph enjoys a good challenge.…

By
Cody Watson
Alt text: A two-panel illustration contrasting the challenge and solution of civic information access. The top panel shows social media content flooding through an algorithm filter while civic buildings and voter turnout fade into the background. The bottom panel depicts a central media archive — with icons for video, audio, and recording — connected by roots and circuits to pillars of civic infrastructure, books, and film, representing the preservation and distribution of the public record.
Notes from the Network

What Happens When No One’s Watching

There's a moment in a lot of local government decisions where the public finally takes notice, and it's often late…

By
Matt Schuster, PMN Creator
gavel to gavel over image with american flag in background
Community

Gavel to Gavel: A Look to Upcoming Local Government Meetings and Key Agenda Items – March 30 – April 2

Tuesday (03/31): Oshtemo Township Joint Board Meeting (5:30 PM, PMN3): Oshtemo Township will hold a Joint meeting of the Township…

By
Max Reist, PMN Creator
A diagram illustrating how information flows through a community — from media sources including a microphone, megaphone, book, and group discussion — through a civic building, broadcast tower, mobile device, and ballot box — culminating in an active circle of engaged community members sharing and amplifying information.
Notes from the Network

What If We Built It Right?

Most conversations about the future of local news start in the same place: decline. Shrinking newsrooms, disappearing coverage, communities left…

By
Matt Schuster, PMN Creator
vibrant office essentials on geometric backdrop
Agendas

PMN Board of Directors March 26, 2026 Meeting

Agenda March 26, 2026 at 4:30 pm359 S Kalamazoo Mall, Ste 300, Kalamazoo, MI 4900 Mission: To build community through…

By
Public Media Network
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PMN Connector

Gavel to Gavel: Local Government Meetings and Key Agenda Items – March 23 – 26

As we enter another week, take a look at what's on the agenda for our local boards and commissions. Monday…

By
Public Media Network
A man operates a camera which is pointed towards a lit up stage where two people holding instruments sit in chairs.
Impact Stories

Helping nonprofits share their impact

Every day, nonprofits in Kalamazoo County are doing vital work that strengthens our community. But it's hard for many nonprofits…

By
Cody Watson