On an episode of Locked In with Algenon Cash, I took a moment to discuss the acquisition of NCPoliticalNews.com as well as the importance of social media for business branding. Algenon was too kind when he called me “the Rupert Murdoch of Digital Media in North Carolina” and while I’m not at that level today, I believe that the actions our team has set in motion will lead to continued momentum and growth.
Read MoreOur 50th episode of The Journey just happened to fall in the same week as our four year anniversary of starting Magic Mile Media. My only regret? I wish I had captured this journey from DAY ONE. Thank you for your support and thank you for being a part of this journey! Here's to many more!
Read MoreThe week started out like it always does - busy and fun. But we ended on a much more serious note. It's moments like this along the journey that makes us realize how reporting fast and accurate news really makes a difference in our community. There was a collective sigh of relief as we went to sleep feeling grateful and safe.
Read MoreDefunding the Police has been one of the most controversial topics of 2020, stemming from the wake of high-profile cases involving concerns of racial profiling or cases of police brutality. While some calls for Defunding the Police mask redistributing money from police budgets to social programs, others are a bit more blatant by defunding police departments altogether.
Fast forward to this past week in La Grange, where 31 policing agencies descended on our area. They came with helicopters, heat-seeking devices, K-9s, SWAT teams, armored vehicles, and more. Tax dollars well spent to protect our community from harm. Imagine living near Kennedy Home or Banks School Road in an era where Defunding the Police wasn’t a phrase but a policy.
Read MoreOver the last seven days: 228 pieces of content, post-election wrap-up, started and finished a website project, started another website, bought another ______ 👀 🤐, and more, and yet we still had a BLAST. It IS POSSIBLE to work hard and enjoy #thejourney.
Read MoreThe nation is probably as divided as it has been since the American Civil War in the 1860s. The supposed blue wave tsunami that was predicted by the media and pundits did not materialize in the numbers that they proclaimed. The White House may be changing parties, but Republicans picked up several House seats and look to maintain a Senate majority come January.
Despite COVID, lockdowns, a battered economy, partisan hoopla, racial issues, social unrest, riots, and a huge backlash against Trump, the nation is still bitterly divided, almost down the middle of its population. The polls were wrong--again, and many are losing faith in journalists, news, media, and the entire political system.
Read MoreElection 2020: 39,400 minutes viewed. 10,400 people reached across 10 states and 10 countries. 467 hearts. 40 shares. 455 comments. And we cannot forget the STARS WAR that went down in the comments - total star count - 9,735. The best part? Informing our community of what was happening right here in OUR backyard. Thank you for making our Election 2020 Results Show a huge success! We do what we do for you!
The Journey, Episode 47
Read MoreYes, this is a typical week in our office. Covering politics, singing happy birthday, and receiving a visit from Cheech & Chong. #groovy
Read MoreAt the October 5th Kinston City Council meeting, the elected members unanimously approved two motions allowing city employees new vacation days for June 19 and Election Day. With roughly less than five minutes of discussion, both motions passed.
The City of Kinston has 378 positions on payroll and have about 350 positions filled at this time. Let’s assume all 350 are eligible to vote. If 70% take the time to vote, that will equate to approximately 245 employees exercising that right. If 61.2% have already cast their ballots in our area, it would mean about 214 employees have already done so.
Based on historical numbers, the cost per vote on Election Day (31) is roughly $1,729, plus time and a half for our police, fire and other essential employees.
Read MoreOne of the unique ideals of our country is that we’re able to express views and beliefs without fear of reprisal or censorship. And the internet has brought forth a plethora of opportunities to distribute information through a multitude of platforms and websites. But with the acceptance of differing voices came also the silencing of dissenting opinions by those with a monopoly on power and information...namely Facebook, Google and Twitter. These tech giants have created amazing platforms for people to connect, yet now have the undaunting task of policing those platforms in the scope of free speech without sacrificing what their ad dollars crave - your attention and engagement.
Read More12 days away from Election Day and our LIVE Election Night Results Show, but we have been planning for weeks. The pace is fast, creative, and challenging at times but we have the best team in town and we are all excited for November 3rd. This broadcast will be like no other. It's a big night for Neuse News but just another small step along The Journey and we are loving every second.
Read MoreCouncilman Sammy Aiken and I served together for 6 years. We probably disagreed on only about 5% of matters before our board. I'd attest it was largely because we rarely got caught up in national politics on a local level.
Read MoreWe are inching closer to our Election Night Show and our phone has been ringing off the hook with people in need of video production and we are living for it! It has been so busy but not too busy to meet Dad at Lovick's. Buster is back and he is the real star of the show. On this "Journey" remember the things that matter most.
Read MoreWhile TikTok has been all over the news after President Trump drew attention to the potential theft of data from Americans and the endangerment of officials, a silent giant has put the hard work and talent of local entrepreneurs and workers on display without permission or a conversation. News Break, created by Chinese media veterans, is a news aggregator application that is robbing small American businesses of their intellectual property, infringing upon copyrighted material, and denying them the potential for revenue.
Read MoreNow as the studio renovation is complete some minor refinements begin to enhance the space and some politicos start making their way to our set. And what's a vlog without picking on BJ? Because you know...#MrRogers.
Read MoreCOVID-19, economic issues, social unrest, wildfires, natural disasters, and explosive “gotcha” books will help shape the political landscape. Technological advances like geo-targeting and social media will provide new means of communicating candidates’ messages in local and national elections. The old cliche that “all politics is local” continues to ring true, but how do local candidates stand out in the noise of presidential election year rhetoric?
Read MoreIt's a beautiful day in the neighborhood - BJ finally has his studio!
The Journey, Episode 42
Read MoreAs our small business tries to grow during a pandemic we still find ways to laugh and have a good time. A TikTok snack, new carpet and BJ's mood swings are all on tap for this episode of The Journey.
Read MoreWhat's a birthday without food, friends and fun? Birthdays - another part of this journey. Enjoy an EXTENDED version of The Journey as a guest at BJ's 40th birthday party!
Read MoreThe Neuse News team visits Jay Shin's new restaurant in downtown Kinston, Jay's 108. Over lunch, you get a small "taste" of BJ's construction supervisor skills. 🤣 We also visit a client at a new property listing, meet our newest team member, and prepare for BJ's 40th birthday bash. Just another part of #thejourney.
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