Dave Williams
As seen in:
Medium,
Trinidad Express,
Mainebiz,
Barrett Media,
Comstock’s Magazine,
Northampton Life
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Articles by Dave Williams
America’s 250th Anniversary Has Passed. The Work of Unity Hasn’t. | Opinion
This story is part of our July 2026 Young Professionals issue. To read the print version, click here. Happy birthday, America. Are you doing OK? No offense. Something feels off. Maybe it’s just me. Life feels more worrisome these days — and yet familiar. People are stressed and fearful of the future. Some think the country has lost its heart. Others claim that the great American experiment has failed. It’s over. Some days it feels like we, the people, are lost. Maybe we’ve just lost some perspective.
Essay: Across Faiths and Cultures, the Heart of the Holidays Stays the Same - Comstock's magazine
This story is part of our December 2025 issue. To read the print version, click here. Peace on Earth, goodwill toward men: The season’s reminder of our hope for lasting peace and happiness. The wording is Christian, but every known religion carries the same message in slightly different terms. In Judaism, it’s tikkun olam — help repair the world; Islam calls it sadaqah, giving from the heart; Buddhism speaks of compassion; Hinduism teaches seva, selfless service.
Flying the flag for Northampton's safe and vibrant night-time economy - Northants Life
Northampton is flying the flag for its commitment to creating a dynamic, secure and vibrant evening and night-time economy. As part of Purple Flag month, held every October, the lighting scheme in the Market Square has been turned purple as part of the national award scheme, which recognises town centres for their blend of night-time entertainment, dining, and culture, all while ensuring the safety and well-being of residents and visitors.
Dozens of local charities to be celebrated at Northamptonshire Community Foundation’s Annual Awards event
Next month, Northamptonshire Community Foundation will celebrate more than 30 charities, community organisations, volunteer-led groups and individuals from across the county at their Annual Awards evening, due to take place at the Royal Theatre. Each year, the Foundation hosts their Annual Awards to recognise the vital work carried out by the local organisations they fund.
Don't let energy bills spiral this winter – Northamptonshire charity urges residents to seek help sooner - Northants Life | News | Events | Advertise | Northampton Magazine
As winter approaches and temperatures drop, Community Law Service is calling on Northamptonshire residents to seek energy and fuel poverty advice early – before cold homes impact their health and bills spiral out of control. The call comes as national charity Advice UK launches its #AdviceSaves campaign next week, shining a spotlight on the life-changing work of independent advice organisations across the UK, Community Law Service being one of those.
Northampton optometrist’s vision to ensure women’s eye health is not overlooked on World Menopause Day
Menopausal and perimenopausal women in Northampton have been urged to get their eyes examined, as optometrists call for more focus on the effects of hormonal changes on eye health to mark World Menopause Day. While more than half of menopausal women suffer from dry eye, many are unaware that the two can be related.
Verve Workspace wins top honour at NNBN Awards
A workplace design company which has supported thousands of clients across the UK has won the top award at the NNBN Awards. Verve Workspace was crowned Business of the Year at last week’s prestigious event, which recognises and celebrates innovative and enterprising businesses from across Northamptonshire.
Disabled Adventurer Nick Wilson Wins Special Recognition Award at Northamptonshire Business Awards
Disability advocate Nick Wilson has been honoured with the Special Recognition Award at the prestigious NNBN Awards 2025, celebrating his exceptional contribution to accessibility and community impact across Northamptonshire. Nick, known as ‘The Disabled Adventurer’, was recognised for his groundbreaking work making the outdoors accessible to disabled people through his organisation Access Outdoors CIC.
Autumn is in the Air at Rushden Lakes this October
Spooky season has officially arrived at Rushden Lakes, and for young visitors, there’s ample opportunity to get into the spirit. Book a place at the Lakes Kids Club’s Mini Pumpkin Patch on Tuesday 28 October. For just £2.50 pp, each child can choose a pumpkin or squash and decorate with stickers, gems and googly eyes. Face painting, meeting silly characters, and partaking in a creepy crawly bug hunt is also included.
Enchanted Kelmarsh: A Wizards Quest – A Magical Family Adventure Awaits This October Half Term - Northants Life | News | Events | Advertise | Northampton Magazine
Get ready for a magical adventure like no other as Enchanted Kelmarsh: A Wizards Quest returns to cast its spell over Kelmarsh Hall & Gardens this October half term! Designed especially for young witches and wizards aged 5 and up, this immersive, family-friendly event promises a day brimming with spooky surprises, spellbinding activities, and unforgettable enchantment.
Woof Wag Festival to Launch at Wicksteed Park, Kettering in May 2026
Get ready to grab your lead! The inaugural Woof Wag Festival, a brand-new, large-scale celebration of canine companionship, is set to launch at the iconic Wicksteed Park in Kettering on Saturday 16th May 2026. The Woof Wag Festival is the brainchild of Tina Elven, founder of Woof Wag, a non-profit initiative dedicated to strengthening the unique bond between owners and their dogs by building a confident canine community.
Nursing student wins top regional T Level award
A former Northampton College student who is training to become a Military Nurse has won the T Level Student category at the regional finals of the Department for Education’s National Apprenticeship and Skills Awards 2025. Lily Ager took the title after impressing the competition judges with the commitment she showed during her T Level Health – Adult Nursing course at Northampton College, which included an industry placement at Brackley Community Hospital.
The Entertainer announces new store opening at Rushden Lakes
Britain’s toy shop, The Entertainer, has revealed plans to open a brand-new store at Rushden Lakes this month. The 3,200 sq. ft store, located in the East Terrace of the shopping complex, is set to officially open from 9am on Saturday 18th October. The new, permanent store will stock the retailer’s full range of best-loved brands, including LEGO, Barbie, Paw Patrol, Squishmallows and Disney, as well as its Early Learning Centre and Addo private label ranges.
New partnership unveiled as two UK not-for-profits join forces to promote health and financial resilience
A not-for-profit healthcare organisation is transforming support for its customers across the UK through collaboration with Northamptonshire-based, Commsave Credit Union. WHA Healthcare, which has been supporting the health and wellbeing of individuals, families, and businesses since 1948, specialises in Healthcare Cash Plans that help cover everyday healthcare costs with simple and affordable solutions.
Northampton Musical Theatre Company bring Jesus Christ Superstar to Royal & Derngate
Following their previous successes with Kinky Boots, Calendar Girls The Musical and Footloose, award-winning local group Northampton Musical Theatre Company return to Royal & Derngate with their fantastic production of the epic musical Jesus Christ Superstar, which they will be performing from Tuesday 28 October to Saturday 1 November. With music by Andrew Lloyd Webber and lyrics by Tim Rice, Jesus Christ Superstar has wowed audiences for over 50 years.
Brackmills businesses shine at Northamptonshire Logistics Awards 2025
Businesses based on Brackmills Industrial Estate swept the board at the Northamptonshire Logistics Awards 2025, taking home six major awards and reinforcing the estates position as a leading logistics hub. The annual awards ceremony, which celebrates excellence across the logistics sector in Northamptonshire’s golden triangle, saw Brackmills-based companies take top spot across a diverse range of categories from apprentice development to environmental sustainability.
Vue Northampton celebrates Black History Month with iconic stories on the big screen
To celebrate Black History Month, Vue Northampton has curated a collection of biographic movies that champion Black representation. Screening across the entire month of October, the season kicks off today (8 October) with biographical drama Ray, which focuses on the life and career of musical legend Ray Charles.
Local author Lizzie Cantopher and her book "The Nightingale who lost her Song" are heading off on tour this autumn. - Northants Life | News | Events | Advertise | Northampton Magazine
Local Northampton author Lizzie Cantopher is set to take her debut book, “The Nightingale Who Lost Her Song,” on a heartwarming book tour throughout Autumn. This exciting journey coincides with World Dyslexia Day on October 8th, offering a unique opportunity to highlight her personal story and connect with readers of all ages.
‘Some People Shine Too Brightly To Ever Be Forgotten.’ Honour a Loved One at the Cransley Hospice Trust Tree of Lights.
Cransley Hospice Trust are proud to announce that their annual and much-loved Tree of Lights service is returning this year, to bring the local community together in remembrance of those who we have lost. This year’s service will be held outside the Cransley Hospice Trust Fundraising Office on the St Mary’s Hospital site in Kettering on Sunday 7th December 2025 at 6.30pm.
Rushden Lakes To Host Free Recruitment Event This October
Recruit Rushden Lakes returns this October to showcase the 40+ available job roles at the popular Shopping & Leisure destination, as well as roles within Northants Police, Fire and Rescue, and North Northants Council. Rushden Lakes’ Charity of the Year, The Never Alone Project, will also be in attendance to promote the charity’s volunteering opportunities. Join the free-to-attend event on Tuesday 7th October at the Leisure Terrace Level 1 (opposite Cineworld).
Alvin Ailey II returns
When Ailey II returns to the stage at Queen’s Hall tonight, it won’t be just another tour stop for Alvin Ailey’s celebrated second company. For Trinidad and Tobago, it feels more like the return of a long-lost cousin, a reunion with a family whose artistic bonds have spanned half a century.
The Heart of a Campfire - Comstock's magazine
Remembering generations of sleeping under the stars in California Back Article This story is part of our July 2025 Young Professionals issue, photographed at Bradshaw Animal Shelter. To learn more about adopting at Bradshaw, click here. If I thought about it, I’d probably remember some unhappy times while dirt camping as a kid. But why would I do that?
I Found the Ghosts Trilogy Through TikTok. It Didn’t Try to Fix Me - It Stayed With Me Instead.
I was scrolling TikTok one night, not really looking for anything — just that hollow, tired scroll you do when the day hasn’t quite left your body. Then this strange little video appeared. No music. No voice. Just two questions on a black screen: “When did an argument quietly make space for something better?” “What argument ended something you thought would survive anything?” That was it. No hashtags. Just a quiet link: ghostsmovement.com I didn’t plan to click.
Ask ACE: We’re hiring, but no one seems like the right fit. What can we do differently?
Q: We’re hiring, but no one seems like the right fit. What can we do differently? ACE advises: A lot of small businesses are in the same boat. They post jobs, candidates apply, but none of them feels quite right. It’s frustrating and often time-consuming, especially when you’re already stretched thin. The issue may not be the talent pool, but the process leading to the hire. Without a well-structured hiring process, you’re likely to attract and hire the wrong candidates.
Braille at 200: Championing Tactile Literacy
4 January was World Braille Day in a year that marks the 200th anniversary of the invention of braille. Collins Dictionary joined forces with RNIB this week to recognize the importance of braille in making reading an experience that is open to everyone. As a bolshy teenager, sometime in the last century, I mistakenly believed specialist skills like braille separated me from sighted people. So I put braille down for a while. I can now explain why I was wrong.
Inspiration 101: How Program Directors Can Energize a News Talk Radio Staff
Barrett Media produces daily content on the music, news, and sports media industries. To stay updated, sign up for our newsletters and get the latest information delivered straight to your inbox. True story: When I was program director of KFBK, Sacramento, Rush Limbaugh was our 9-noon talk host. This was mere months before he was swept off to the Big Apple and national stardom. One day, I took Rush to lunch after his show to give him some friendly advice.
Talk Radio: The Peter Pan Principle
Barrett Media produces over 20 stories per day on the music, news, and sports media industries. Stay updated on the latest happenings by signing up to receive our newsletters straight to your inbox. It’s 5:05 A.M. The bigtime radio voice booms the station I.D. and your name over the huge studio speaker and into the world. You lean forward to punch that mic button. Who are you? What are you feeling at that moment?
News Networking: Locally Produced News Feature Sharing
Barrett Media produces over 20 stories per day on the music, news, and sports media industries. Stay updated on the latest happenings by signing up to receive our newsletters straight to your inbox. Thirty-some years ago I had what I thought was a good idea: Why couldn’t radio companies with news stations in multiple markets share the efforts of their talented local staffs with the other stations in the chain?
Election Coverage Tips For News Talk Radio
Barrett Media produces over 20 stories per day on the music, news, and sports media industries. To make sure you’re updated on the latest happenings across the media business, sign up for our newsletters to get the news delivered straight to your inbox. Here we go! The election you never thought would arrive has. Early voting is underway in many states and as we approach November 5 news and talk radio shows need to get their ducks lined up.
How to Reduce News Talk Radio Job Stress
Broadcast news reporters have some of the most stressful jobs in America. According to the American Psychological Association, they are respectively ranked 5th and 6th behind military, police, firefighters, and social workers. Business News Daily mentions specific news business stressors including deadlines and job insecurity.
News Talk Radio Hosts Need Real On-Air Chemistry
Is there such a thing as on-air chemistry between news talk radio show hosts? We might as well ask if all radio show cast members speak the same language. If there’s no chemistry between hosts, conveying information and consistently achieving listener satisfaction is impossible. Being smooth and professional comes with experience but chemistry is kismet, rare and special. You can’t fake it. TV talkers fake it all the time to the point where even adlibs and chuckles often seem artificial.
News Talk Radio’s Vanishing Key Ingredient
My wife, the lovely and feisty CarolAnn Williams, loves to read history articles and human interest stories online. She has recently taken advantage of the increasing number of publications offering audio narration for these tales. Several times in the past couple of weeks she’s commented, “I hate these AI voices.” I smile and suggest she go back to reading and hearing the words in her voice or whatever voice she chooses to imagine.
Does News/Talk Radio Sway Political Opinions?
Do radio news and talk shows sway political opinions? No. I’m sorry, they don’t. Not much, anyway. The research numbers aren’t encouraging for those of us who work most of every day following every news alert and chasing down perspectives to keep ourselves informed so we can create compelling information and opinion-based narratives for our next show. We’ve all known for a long time that radio news and information take a back seat to TV and now social media. The statistics are deflating.
Talk Radio’s Bias Effect
Last week I commented about the Jay Weber – WISN controversy over the talk host’s inflammatory remarks about Gus Walz at the Democratic National Convention. In that post I took a lot of people to task: Jay Weber, WISN, social media, talk radio, its management, and corporate owners. I also took a quick shot at the portion of the American public who log into social media and leave their decency outside.
Should iHeartMedia Allow Jay Weber to Return to WISN?
If you missed it last week, Jay Weber, 6-9 AM show host at iHeartMedia’s 1130 WISN, Milwaukee, piled on to a nasty avalanche of political attacks on social media. On X, Weber called Gus Walz, the son of Democratic VP candidate Tim Walz “a blubbering bitch boy” after the 17-year-old, streaming tears of loving pride, cried out “That’s my dad!” at the DNC. Jay found out later that Gus has a nonverbal learning disorder, and has been diagnosed with anxiety, and ADHD.
What WCBS Taught Us: These Are Not the Good Old Days
Last week’s demise of WCBS Newsradio 880 affected me emotionally, as it has many in our business. We share our shock and sorrow and reflect on our place in the industry. The first thing I thought of when I heard the news last week was two years ago when legendary KGO, the Newstalk powerhouse of San Francisco, slipped and flipped.
Is News Radio Finally Ready to Hand the Baton to the Next Generation?
The glacial change in the tone and language of news radio is nearly complete. Radio is finally slipping farther away from the old days of reading “the news” with feigned authority and implied dignity, void of emotion. That was the allegedly unbiased approach some purists still long for. But then, a lot of us Boomers still think of “the good old days” with rose-colored memories. Things weren’t really that much better then, they were just different.
Cancel Culture: Does Your Company Have Your Back?
Last week 95.5 WSB host Eric Von Haessler warned conservative talkers they could lose their jobs if not careful when talking about Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris. The conservative Atlanta afternoon host explained what he called “a honey trap,” claiming it’s a carefully honed strategy by Democrats waiting to pounce on anyone who makes even a passing on-air reference to Harris’ race or gender.
News & Talk Radio Ethics: Where Do We Draw the Line?
In the late 1970s Sacramento was terrorized by a serial murderer who committed acts against his victims so horrifying I won’t detail them here, but you’ll understand a bit when I tell you the local media dubbed him ‘The Vampire Killer.’ His name eventually became known when he was caught: Richard Trenton Chase. You can look him up. He’s considered to be one of the worst criminally insane killers in U.S. history. I was working in the news department of KGNR (formerly KCRA) Newsradio.
Why Do Conservatives Dominate Talk Radio?
Last week I listened to some live news talk radio reports from the Republican National Convention. I enjoyed what little I heard not because it was the GOP convention but because it reminded me of the good old days when presidential nominating conventions were the every-four-year Olympics of American democracy packed with genuine intrigue and patriotic excitement.
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