In this episode of Matter of Fact, we examine how a grassroots effort in Lumberton, Mississippi, is working to rebuild local access to information by bringing back a print newspaper. Based on the RHCJC News story, “Grassroots effort brings print newspaper back to Lumberton,” this episode looks at why that effort matters in a community where many residents have struggled to find timely, consistent and accessible local news.

The episode follows the evolution of The Lumberton Post from a Facebook group into a physical newspaper now distributed in local businesses. Along the way, it explores a larger question facing many small communities: What happens when important local information is scattered across social media, hard to find or missed entirely by the people who need it most? Through the voices of Leanna Dreher and John Maroney, listeners hear how the push for a print paper grew out of concerns about the digital divide, inconsistent access to community updates and the need for a more inclusive way to keep residents informed.

You’ll also hear from RHCJC News reporter JC Roberts about his field reporting process and what this story revealed about the role of community journalism in places often overlooked by larger media systems. In our What Is True? segment, Media Literacy Coordinator Walker Scott breaks down what this story teaches us about news deserts, media literacy and the importance of building reliable local information networks that people can trust and use.

This episode is not just about a newspaper. It is about access, participation and what it takes to keep a community connected.