Digital network manager for platforms at @NPR | Journalist, editor, tech | Former: @nepublicmedia, @wnpr, Urban Compass
Is this you? As a journalist, you can create a free Muck Rack account to customize your profile, list your contact preferences, and upload a portfolio of your best work.
Claim your profile
Articles by Heather Brandon
BHS Drillers rock 'Chicago'!
One hundred years ago, in April of 1924, a young woman named Beulah Annan was accused of murdering her lover in the South Side of Chicago. The subsequent murder trial became a spectacle that fascinated the entire city.
A table fable
A few years ago, at the height of pandemic living when so much was being ordered online and delivered one way or another, my family decided we needed a new coffee table. After much hunting for something that would work — a round wooden top with three wooden legs — we made an online purchase and waited for delivery. The table arrived lightly packaged in a cardboard box with minimal to no padding around the edges.
'Layoffs are basically a bad decision'
OK, so I was laid off a month ago and you can take this with a grain of salt. But Anne Helen Petersen’s excellent piece on Layoff Brain points also to many other excellent pieces on work culture, the irrationality of layoffs, and how they can be a kind of contagion that doesn’t fix anything. Highly recommended.
'Meet people where they are' means everything and nothing
There’s a trend in get-up-to-speed-on-the-21st-century journalism-speak to “meet people where they are.” I hear this primarily from executives and not the folks who are making the daily journalism. It’s a cute phrase that sounds kind of friendly and harmless. What’s not cool about meeting people? In some circles, this phrase is about people’s mental health, respect for others, honoring and accepting differences among us, and being flexible.
The value of a live human being talking to you
When I started working in public radio, at WNPR in Hartford, I was a little surprised to see just how many news reporters were working there to gather, edit and report on the happenings of the day. Looking back, I’m even a bit embarrassed at how I was surprised. What did I think they were doing? A huge draw for me to work at the station was one of its flagship talk shows, Where We Live, hosted at the time by its co-creator John Dankosky.
An icky media puddle
I really cheered myself up yesterday by writing a post starting with recent thoughts on the public media business, and ending with existential questions about whether we should be producing journalism at all if no one seems to want it. When I try to hunt online for jobs in journalism, the same skills overlap so heavily with work in “communications” that it’s hard to find the right filters.
'Tangible signs the system is breaking down'
In a piece on public radio’s revenue shortfall during the pandemic, Fred Jacobs wrote in 2020 that the industry can’t successfully lean completely on individual generosity during fund drives to build sustainable income.
Public media ownership
On Twitter yesterday, NPR was labeled state-affiliated media. Some on Twitter are decrying this action, noting NPR’s independence, and some are supporting it, saying the network is after all “state-affiliated” since it gets money from the government. The phrase state-affiliated is kind of vague. It doesn’t imply state-owned.
Embracing uncertainty, leading by listening
About 100 people were recently laid off at NPR. A burst podcast bubble was partly blamed for its “largest reduction in staff since the 2008 recession”: A 2012 academic paper by Nikki Usher takes a look at NPR’s approach to its digital future in an earlier difficult fiscal period, between 2008 to 2010. According to the paper, NPR got a $1.5 million Knight Foundation grant to train its staff on a variety of digital skills.
How 'digital' staff in newsrooms wear funny hats
We have a habit in public radio of placing the greatest value on sound we broadcast, and not necessarily what we publish online. It’s not so strange, considering radio’s been around since before 1900, and the web is about 100 years younger. Still, the tendency to prioritize or favor the broadcast work is a cultural challenge, and a practical one, too. It affects how we hire, and how we think about hiring. It influences how we communicate in the work, and the order in which we do things.
Opportunities for change
Last week I was laid off from a job in journalism I had imagined was vital to the organization I worked for. Maybe it was, but I had something wrong. In any case the layoffs were due to financial problems. Choices were made. I’ve worked in public radio news for a decade and have had largely digital roles, editing for broadcast and publishing as well as thinking about user experiences, clarity, accuracy and audience involvement.
Jess and Matt: A Wedding (Planning) Story
Weddings are back! Okay, okay… weddings never really went away, but after COVID-19-related delays in 2020 and 2021, around 2.5 million couples planned to wed in 2022 according to the New York Times. Additionally, market research firm the Wedding Report estimates that 2023 will see around 2.2 million weddings, which is in line with the number of weddings per year from 2005-2019 as reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Breast Cancer in the Time of COVID-19
Lewis Carroll said, “Begin at the beginning and go on ‘till you come to the end; then stop.” This story begins on May 4, 2020, the day after my 43rd birthday, when I received the call informing me that I had breast cancer. Prologue April 16 was the date of my annual mammogram, aka “boob squishing fun.” Due to COVID-19, the Breast Center was not strongly encouraging regular screenings.
Hated Holiday Foods
Green bean casserole is gross! And, yes, I do mean the green bean casserole that your mother, grandfather, third cousin or great uncle makes every year for Thanksgiving. In my opinion, there’s so much to hate — frozen green beans, processed fried onions and nauseating cream of mushroom soup. The later falls into what I call “post-apocalyptic” foods because I cannot comprehend how something that is “cream of” has a shelf life of 43 years.
Improvement Needed On Traffic Safety Laws In New England, Says Advocacy Group
A highway safety advocacy group says Vermont and New Hampshire are "dangerously behind" adoption of recommended traffic laws, and Massachusetts and Connecticut are faring only slightly better. An annual report card from Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety said all four states lack strong seat belt laws needed to get its top rating, according to its president, Cathy Chase.
Amidst Crisis, Newly-Elected Speaker Ronald Mariano Plunges Into Top Mass. House Job
The Massachusetts House Speaker Ronald Mariano era is here, and there will be no gently paced transition period.
Poll Tests Mass. Residents' Appetite For Transpo Projects And Funding
A majority of residents want to see significant improvements to the commuter rail system, but they also believe the costs should not be passed along to commuters in the form of higher fares or an increased gas tax, according to a new poll. Proposals such as a North-South Rail Link, the South Coast Rail project, and extending the commuter rail west to Springfield and Pittsfield all saw support of 75 percent or more in a MassINC poll of 1,430 Massachusetts residents published Thursday.
Commuter Train Cars Manufactured In Springfield Debut On MBTA Orange Line
Massachusetts leaders introduced new commuter train cars going into service in Boston on Wednesday that were manufactured in Springfield, Massachusetts. The new MBTA Orange Line cars are equipped with digital screens, plastic interiors and more handrails, and have wider doors for easier boarding access. They are the first in the MBTA's plans to replace the whole Orange Line fleet with a larger one by 2022. Below, the MBTA provides a comparison between an old Orange Line train and a new one.
Protest Rock, Funk, Post-Minimalism And More: A Local Music Spotlight
This region is packed with great musicians. Our annual music series is a chance to highlight some of the amazing artists who live here, in southern Vermont, throughout western Massachusetts and around Hartford. It's all part of an effort to tell local stories, and spotlight artists. We highlighted 10 musical acts in this most recent series, and also some unique venues. In basements throughout the Pioneer Valley, the underground music scene thrives.
Sen. Blumenthal Calls On FDA To Limit Chemicals In Bottled Water
Water distributed by a dairy in Haverhill, Massachusetts, was found by state officials earlier this month to contain unsafe levels of PFAS for infants, and women who are pregnant or nursing. Affected water was sold in 1- to 2.5-gallon containers. "The simple fact is there are no enforceable, strong limits on levels of PFAS chemicals, these dangerous compounds, found in bottled water," Blumenthal said to reporters Monday. PFAS has been linked with cancer, liver disease, and other health problems.
Sen. Blumenthal Calls On FDA To Limit Chemicals In Bottled Water
Connecticut U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal is calling on the federal government to issue a standard for certain chemicals in bottled water in the wake of contamination concerns. Water distributed by a dairy in Haverhill, Massachusetts, was found by state officials earlier this month to contain unsafe levels of PFAS for infants, and women who are pregnant or nursing. Affected water was sold in 1- to 2.5-gallon containers.
Sen. Blumenthal Calls On FDA To Limit Chemicals In Bottled Water
Connecticut U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal is calling on the federal government to issue a standard for certain chemicals in bottled water in the wake of contamination concerns. Water distributed by a dairy in Haverhill, Massachusetts, was found by state officials earlier this month to contain unsafe levels of PFAS for infants, and women who are pregnant or nursing. Affected water was sold in 1- to 2.5-gallon containers.
Mural Project Aims To Coat Walls And Change Perceptions In Springfield, Mass.
A whole lot of murals are coming to the largest city in western Massachusetts. It's part of a project called Fresh Paint Springfield. Officials say they hope it'll contribute to a changing perception of downtown. Priya Green lives in Springfield with her husband Andrae. They're both artists — and they're working together on a mural design for the project. “This is kind of the first big mural that we're gonna be doing,” Green said.
How's The Springfield Casino Doing?
It's been more than six months since the MGM casino in Springfield opened its doors to thousands of gamblers, and curious pedestrians. Here’s a look at some of the casino’s early successes and challenges, and what it all means for Springfield and the state of Massachusetts. MGM Springfield took in nearly $27 million in revenue in September, its first full month of operation. Then there was a serious drop October through December – all in the low $20 millions per month.
MGM Springfield Looks For Ways To Keep Minors Off Casino Floor
MGM Springfield is trying to figure out how to keep people under 21 from getting onto its casino floor. The casino said it had to remove 64 minors from its gambling area in December. That's a big jump from the single digits in previous months. MGM President Mike Mathis told the Massachusetts Gaming Commission it's because the casino boosted enforcement in the fall. "We dedicated more officers to patrolling the floor," he said.
MGM Springfield Looks For Ways To Keep Minors Off Casino Floor
MGM Springfield is trying to figure out how to keep people under 21 from getting onto its casino floor. The casino said it had to remove 64 minors from its gambling area in December. That's a big jump from the single digits in previous months. MGM President Mike Mathis told the Massachusetts Gaming Commission it's because the casino boosted enforcement in the fall. "We dedicated more officers to patrolling the floor," he said.
Tolls In Connecticut Get A Public Hearing, With Some Detail On Proposed Resident Discounts
Proposed highway toll legislation was up for debate Wednesday in Hartford. Tom Maziarz of the Connecticut Department of Transportation told lawmakers Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont's proposal would give state residents a discount. "For a Connecticut resident who purchases an E-Z Pass from the state of Connecticut, that they would be given a 30 percent discount any time that they use that E-Z Pass," Maziarz said.
MGM Springfield Revenue Drops Again In January, Its Lowest Full Month So Far
Gaming revenue at MGM Springfield last month was the lowest it’s been since opening, according to figures released Friday from the Massachusetts Gaming Commission. The casino delivered about $4.9 million in taxes to the state for the month of January. That’s down from the $5.4 million in taxes the casino generated in December. Total revenue has seen a mostly downward trend since MGM opened its doors last August.
Appalachian ranks No. 1 in nation for highest number of NBPTS-certified alumni
BOONE, N.C. — For the third consecutive year, Appalachian State University has topped the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards’ list of “Top 50 Alma Maters by Total Number of NBCTs,” with 2,090 alumni having earned the national credential to date. Additionally, North Carolina continues to lead the nation in the number of teachers who have become National Board Certified Teachers (NBCT) — since 1987, 21,985 educators have earned the certification.
How Climate Change Is Affecting New England, And What's Yet To Come
Climate change is expected to hit the Northeast pretty hard, affecting crops, ski resorts and fisheries on the coast. Here are some of our latest New England reports on climate change — from inland floods in New Hampshire, to a Connecticut forest, to a salt marsh north of Boston where there's an invasive plant that just won't quit. The federal government recently released a lengthy climate assessment with a chapter focused on the Northeast.
How New England Governors' Salaries Compare
By Heather Brandon • 12 minutes ago Originally published on January 3, 2019 1:57 pm Salaries for governors in New England have been on an upward trend. Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker's pay raise makes him the highest-paid governor in the region. A couple years ago, Baker opposed a raise being pushed by state legislators. "I'm not gonna take the pay raise," Baker said in February 2017. "The lieutenant governor's not gonna take the pay raise. And I'm not gonna take the stipend.
How New England Governors' Salaries Compare
By Heather Brandon • 1 minute ago Originally published on January 3, 2019 1:57 pm Salaries for governors in New England have been on an upward trend. Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker's pay raise makes him the highest-paid governor in the region. A couple years ago, Baker opposed a raise being pushed by state legislators. "I'm not gonna take the pay raise," Baker said in February 2017. "The lieutenant governor's not gonna take the pay raise. And I'm not gonna take the stipend.
How New England Governors' Salaries Compare
Salaries for governors in New England have been on an upward trend. Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker's pay raise makes him the highest-paid governor in the region. A couple years ago, Baker opposed a raise being pushed by state legislators. "I'm not gonna take the pay raise," Baker said in February 2017. "The lieutenant governor's not gonna take the pay raise. And I'm not gonna take the stipend.
How New England Governors' Salaries Compare
By Heather Brandon • 3 minutes ago Originally published on January 2, 2019 3:48 pm Salaries for governors in New England have been on an upward trend. Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker's pay raise makes him the highest-paid governor in the region. A couple years ago, Baker opposed a raise being pushed by state legislators. "I'm not gonna take the pay raise," Baker said in February 2017. "The lieutenant governor's not gonna take the pay raise. And I'm not gonna take the stipend.
How New England Governors' Salaries Compare
By Heather Brandon • 3 minutes ago Originally published on January 2, 2019 3:48 pm Salaries for governors in New England have been on an upward trend. Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker's pay raise makes him the highest-paid governor in the region. A couple years ago, Baker opposed a raise being pushed by state legislators. "I'm not gonna take the pay raise," Baker said in February 2017. "The lieutenant governor's not gonna take the pay raise. And I'm not gonna take the stipend.
How New England Governors' Salaries Compare
Salaries for governors in New England have been on an upward trend. Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker's pay raise makes him the highest-paid governor in the region. A couple years ago, Baker opposed a raise being pushed by state legislators. "I'm not gonna take the pay raise," Baker said in February 2017. "The lieutenant governor's not gonna take the pay raise. And I'm not gonna take the stipend.
MGM Springfield Revenue Is Down For October
MGM Springfield's revenue lagged somewhat in its second full month of operation. The casino says it was an exciting past month while new marketing efforts got underway. But October revenue overall was down from the previous month, at around $22 million. That's about $5 million less than September. A drop isn't unusual in a casino's first months. It happened for MGM's Maryland casino a couple years ago, too.
MGM Springfield Revenue Is Down For October
MGM Springfield's revenue lagged somewhat in its second month of operation. The casino says it was an exciting past month while new marketing efforts got underway. But October revenue overall was down from the previous month, at around $22 million. That's about $5 million less than September. A drop isn't unusual in a casino's first months. It happened for MGM's Maryland casino a couple years ago, too.
Turnout Measures A Share Of Registered Voters, But There's More To The Numbers
Turnout is notoriously low in some of the region's big cities. But if you mix Census age data with turnout numbers, there are a couple surprises. In 2016, all of New England's eight biggest cities managed to register close to or well over two-thirds of all their adults. But Springfield, Massachusetts, and Providence, Rhode Island, stand out with the highest percentage of registered voters in 2016, at 88 and 90 percent respectively.
Massachusetts Gaming Regulators Examine Public Safety Around MGM Springfield
The Massachusetts Gaming Commission is looking at the impact the new MGM Springfield casino is having on public safety. It heard Thursday about a study being used as a baseline for the effort. It looks back several years at police department activity in 11 towns. Christopher Bruce is a crime analysis consultant to the Gaming Commission.
Decaying Paramount Theater In Springfield Gets A State Funding Boost
Massachusetts is chipping in $2.5 million to renovate the Paramount Theater and Massasoit building in Springfield. Governor Charlie Baker announced the state funding on Wednesday during a press event inside the lobby. A $41 million plan would restore the 1,800-seat theater and develop an 85-room hotel. During the event, cool air rushed out from inside the cavernous building along with the smell of moldering plaster. The sound of dripping water could be heard toward the back of the theater.
MGM Springfield Casino Generates $9.5M In First Week Open
Massachusetts gambling regulators are reporting MGM Springfield generated $9.5 million from gambling operations in its first week open. The state Gaming Commission said in a revenue report Monday the casino earned $2.1 million in gross revenues from table games and $7.3 million from slot machines from its August 24 opening to August 31. That translates to about $2.4 million in state revenues. Massachusetts assesses a 25 percent tax on the hotel, casino and entertainment complex's gambling revenues.
Land Swap In Berkshires Approved For Lenox And Mass Audubon
Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker has signed legislation approving a land swap deal in the Berkshires. The town of Lenox will give about 105 acres to the Massachusetts Audubon Society. Becky Cushing of Mass Audubon says the land fills a gap in the Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary. “We have over 1,200 acres, and this pocket up on the ridge line is a little pocket that is open, that is not yet protected as part of Mass Audubon. So we're trying to close that gap,” Cushing said.
MGM Strikes Gambling Deal With Pro Basketball. Will Massachusetts Play Along?
MGM Resorts has announced a gambling partnership with the NBA and WNBA. But don't look for betting on basketball at MGM’s new Springfield casino anytime soon. Earlier this year, the Supreme Court struck down a federal ban on sports betting, making room for states to call their own shots. Even with its pro basketball deal in place, MGM has no plans yet for sports betting at Springfield casino scheduled to open this month.
MGM Strikes Gambling Deal With Pro Basketball. Will Massachusetts Play Along?
MGM Resorts has announced a gambling partnership with the NBA and WNBA. But don't look for betting on basketball at MGM’s new Springfield casino anytime soon. Earlier this year, the Supreme Court struck down a federal ban on sports betting, making room for states to call their own shots. Even with its pro basketball deal in place, MGM has no plans yet for sports betting at Springfield casino scheduled to open this month.
Local Members Of Congress Aren't Happy With The Trump-Putin Summit
U.S. Senators from Massachusetts and Connecticut reacted negatively Monday to President Trump’s one-on-one meeting and joint press conference with Russian President Vladimir Putin. During the press event in Finland, Trump said he sees no reason why Russia would interfere in the 2016 U.S. election. His comment came after more than two hours of private talks with Putin.
FEMA Offers 'Final Extension' To June 30 For Hurricane Evacuees In Temporary Housing
The Federal Emergency Management Agency says it will keep paying for temporary housing until the end of June for hurricane evacuees from Puerto Rico. But it says it's the last extension it will offer. The government is offering to pay travel costs for those returning to Puerto Rico. "Through the transportation assistance, we will pay direct payments to airlines to cover the cost of airfare," said Michael Byrne of FEMA on a conference call Thursday.
FEMA Offers 'Final Extension' To June 30 For Hurricane Evacuees In Temporary Housing
The federal government says it will keep paying for temporary housing until the end of June for hurricane evacuees from Puerto Rico. But the Federal Emergency Management Agency says it's the last extension it will offer. The government will pay travel costs for those returning to Puerto Rico. "Through the transportation assistance, we will pay direct payments to airlines to cover the cost of airfare," said Michael Byrne of FEMA on a conference call Thursday.
Poll: Casino Supporters Are Still The Majority In Springfield, Mass.
A new survey from Western New England University finds a majority of Springfield, Massachusetts, residents continue to support the MGM casino project downtown, 61 to 26 percent. “That's a pretty significant margin, when you consider that ages ago, the actual project was approved by a somewhat narrower margin of 58-42 back in July of 2013,” said Tim Vercellotti, director of the WNEU Polling Institute. Supporters said the casino opening in August will help the local economy and bring tax revenue.
Housing Assistance For Hurricane Maria Evacuees Will Be Funded Through Mid-May
Hurricane Maria evacuees from Puerto Rico won’t be evicted from temporary housing on Friday. A federal program offering assistance will get a funding extension until May 14. The evacuees face immediate homelessness if the program loses funding. In Springfield, Massachusetts, on Friday, Jose Ribera said he’s been looking for work under stress and uncertainty. "It has been difficult, because every week, every two weeks, we don’t know what is going to happen to us at the hotel," he said.
Show More
loading
Actions
Is this you?
As a journalist, you can create a free Muck Rack account to customize your profile, list your contact preferences, and upload a portfolio of your best work.Get in touch with Heather
Contact Heather, search articles and posts on X, monitor coverage, and track replies from one place.
Learn more about Muck Rack