In this month’s episode of Listen Lakeland, host Alex Rich—Board Member for Lakeland Vision & Executive Director and Chief Curator of the Ashley Gibson Barnett Museum of Art and Chair of the Art History and Museum Studies Department at Florida Southern College—leads a thoughtful discussion with three pillars of Lakeland’s media scene: Trinity Laurino, Executive Director of LKLDNow, Gary White, Reporter with The Ledger, and RJ Walters, Editor of The Lakelander. Together, they explore the evolving landscape of journalism in the digital age, the enduring value of hyperlocal storytelling, and the collaborative spirit among local outlets that ensures Lakeland’s stories are told with integrity and depth. From the power of explanatory reporting and in-depth features to the role of community response and engagement, this conversation highlights how local media keeps citizens informed, inspired, and connected.

Related Vision Focus Area and Goals:

• • Communications
    Lakeland will be an interconnected and informed community through community-wide communications.