The collapse of local news and the rise of social media have reshaped how people consume information. Tara McGowan explains how Courier Newsroom is building a new model by meeting audiences where they are and delivering news in formats people actually engage with. The conversation digs into the power of platforms, the risks of relying on them, and why owning your audience matters more than ever. It also examines how media infrastructure, not just messaging, has shaped political influence over time. Throughout the episode, the focus stays on a central idea that trust, authenticity, and clear storytelling are essential in an attention-driven world.