On Assignment by The Assignment Desk

Robert Sterner
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  • NEWS COMMENTARY

On Assignment is a podcast about the people, practices, and ideas shaping the future of journalism. Produced by The Assignment Desk, each episode dives into the evolving world of local media, journalism education, news innovation, and the urgent fight against disinformation. From conversations about newsroom funding and emerging technologies to rebuilding public trust and reimagining community storytelling, On Assignment explores the challenges and possibilities facing today’s news landscape. Whether you’re a journalist, student, educator, or simply someone who cares about credible information, this podcast is your place to listen, learn, and stay connected to the mission of public-interest journalism.

  1. AUG 8 · BONUS

    Bonus Episode: News Deserts, Echo Chambers, and the Digital Town Square

    In this special bonus episode of On Assignment, guest host Dr. Leona M. Rios explores one of the most urgent issues in journalism today: the collapse of local news and the rise of informal digital ecosystems filling the void. From the closure of hundreds of newspapers to the surprising role Facebook groups and WhatsApp chats now play in rural America, this episode uncovers how social media has become both the villain and the unlikely hero in the information landscape. With nuance and wit, Dr. Rios examines the anatomy of a “news desert,” the viral power of misinformation, and the unexpected resilience of community-run news efforts in places like Trinidad, Colorado. Along the way, she breaks down: How local news collapsed—and what took its placeWhy misinformation spreads faster than truthThe psychological roots of why we share what we shareHow partisan outlets mimic local journalismAnd what we can do—from media literacy to policy reform—to reclaim an informed publicThis isn’t just a story about media—it’s a story about democracy, identity, and what it means to stay connected in an age of fragmented truth. On Assignment is produced by Robert Sterner. Stay tuned for our next episode: Civic Navigators: Identifying and Supporting Trusted Community Messengers

    19 min

  2. AUG 4

    The Darkening Forest: How Informal News Ecosystems Are Reshaping What We Know

    As local newspapers vanish and broadcast outlets shrink, a new—and often shadowy—ecosystem is stepping in to fill the information void: Facebook groups, WhatsApp chats, and community-run pages now serve as the de facto newsrooms for thousands of towns across the country. In this episode of On Assignment, host Gath Townsend speaks with Dr. Leona M. Rios, a researcher and self-described “reluctant group chat participant,” whose work explores how people find and trust information in spaces beyond traditional media. From small-town Facebook groups to encrypted WhatsApp threads, we trace the rise of what Dr. Rios calls “the darkening forest”—a dense, often invisible network of informal news that is increasingly shaping public life. Together, they explore: Why traditional news is collapsing—and where communities are turning insteadHow platforms like Facebook and WhatsApp create both connection and confusionThe role of volunteer moderators and the limits of “curated news”The risks of misinformation and the invisible spread of rumors in encrypted spacesAnd what can actually be done—from community education to systemic reformThis is a story about the shifting foundations of trust, truth, and who gets to decide what counts as “news” in a fractured media landscape. Guest: Dr. Leona M. Rios, researcher, writer, and media anthropologist On Assignment is produced by Robert Sterner.

    9 min

  3. AUG 1 · BONUS

    Bonus Episode: Bridging the Divide – Journalism in an Age of Polarization

    In this special bonus episode of On Assignment, guest host Dr. Kanji Nakamura, a civic engagement expert from San Francisco, unpacks one of the most urgent threats to American democracy: political polarization. As partisan divides deepen and media discourse grows more combative, what role should journalism play in restoring trust and fostering dialogue? Dr. Nakamura explores how traditional journalism's reliance on conflict-driven narratives may be fueling the problem—and how a shift toward constructive journalism could offer a path forward. Drawing on real-world examples, research insights, and strategies from fields like mediation and public engagement, this episode examines how journalists can move from amplifying division to creating space for mutual understanding, empathy, and problem-solving. From "Walk a Mile in My News" to Braver Angels workshops, discover how storytelling and newsrooms can help bridge ideological chasms—by listening better, listening louder, and encouraging conversations that heal rather than harm.

    13 min

  4. JUL 28

    Quantum Civics and Journalism: How Local Focus Can Bridge National Divides

    What if the key to healing our national divisions isn’t in Washington, but right next door? In this episode of On Assignment, host Liz Cochrane explores the idea of “Quantum Civics” — the notion that small, local civic actions can ripple out to address some of our deepest societal rifts. She’s joined by Dr. Kenji Nakamura, a San Francisco-based researcher whose work bridges political psychology and grassroots organizing, to unpack how local conversations, trust-building, and shared problem-solving can depolarize even the most divided communities. From library conversations in fictional Harmony Creek to real-world initiatives like Braver Angels’ “Walk A Mile In My News,” this episode challenges the way we think about civic life — and offers hopeful, practical paths forward.

    17 min

  5. JUL 25 · BONUS

    Verified Voices: The Promise and Pitfalls of User-Generated Content

    In this special bonus episode of On Assignment, guest host Dr. Marisol Treviño unpacks the complex world of user-generated content (UGC) — the citizen-shot videos, social media posts, and crowdsourced stories that are rapidly reshaping modern journalism. From the frontlines of breaking news to investigative reporting powered by public contributions, Dr. Treviño explores how newsrooms are leveraging everyday voices to enhance coverage — and the very real challenges of verification, bias, and trust that come with it. Featuring case studies from The New York Times, ProPublica, and Al-Arabiya, this episode dives into the tools, motivations, and ethical questions behind UGC. What does it take to maintain credibility in a world where everyone’s a publisher? And how can journalists engage audiences without compromising journalistic standards? Whether you're a newsroom veteran or a news-hungry citizen, this episode offers a timely, insightful look at the shifting dynamics between the press and the public.

    10 min

  6. JUL 21

    The Rise of Citizen News: Understanding and Using User-Generated Content

    User-generated content—or UGC—is reshaping the way news is gathered, reported, and consumed. In this episode of On Assignment, host Gath Townsend sits down with digital media expert Dr. Marisol Treviño to explore how everyday people are becoming part of the journalistic process through photos, tweets, videos, and on-the-ground reporting. They dive into the origins of UGC, its impact on breaking news coverage, and the rise of participatory and citizen journalism. But with great access comes great responsibility: how do newsrooms verify content, preserve editorial standards, and maintain public trust in an era of misinformation? We’ll look at innovative initiatives like The Documenters Network and ABC Open, the challenges of moderation, and what it takes for journalists to adapt to this new media landscape. Whether you're a journalist, a media student, or just a news consumer, this episode will give you a deeper understanding of the forces transforming today’s newsrooms.

    11 min

  7. JUN 27 · BONUS

    Bonus: From Doomscrolling to Civic Joy: How Local News Can Reconnect Us

    Why do we keep scrolling through headlines that only make us feel worse? In this bonus episode of On Assignment, guest host Nari Han—a researcher who explores why people disengage from news and what brings them back—guides us through the emotional and behavioral terrain of doomscrolling. With insights from research at the University of California, Harvard Health, and the Steinman Institute, Han explains how our brains are wired for bad news—and how that constant exposure can leave us feeling anxious, disconnected, and even misanthropic. But there’s a way out. This episode explores how local journalism, solutions reporting, and creative engagement strategies are helping audiences move from information fatigue to civic joy. Han unpacks evidence-based approaches that rebuild trust, highlight community strengths, and foster participation—offering listeners practical steps to stay informed without becoming overwhelmed. If you’ve ever felt consumed by the news but unsure how to break the cycle, this is the episode for you. Produced by Robert Sterner for The Assignment Desk. Next up on On Assignment: The Power of the Crowd: Reimagining Community Storytelling Submissions.

    10 min
  8. From Doomscrolling to Civic Joy: Centering Solutions in Local Storytelling

    JUN 23

    From Doomscrolling to Civic Joy: Centering Solutions in Local Storytelling

    What if local news could do more than report problems—what if it could inspire action and connection? In this episode, host Liz Cochrane speaks with Nari Han about the growing disconnect many people feel when faced with a relentless stream of bad news. Together, they explore how the concept of "civic joy" offers a new path forward: storytelling that builds trust, reflects community resilience, and invites meaningful engagement. We explore: How constant negativity fuels disconnectionThe shift “upstream from news” toward actionable, human-centered informationWhat “solutions journalism” looks like in local practiceHow storytelling can foster trust, civic pride, and agencyReal-world ideas: community spotlights, story skill shares, and neighborhood idea labsTune in to hear how reimagining the role of news can transform doomscrolling into a shared sense of purpose.

    7 min
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About

On Assignment is a podcast about the people, practices, and ideas shaping the future of journalism. Produced by The Assignment Desk, each episode dives into the evolving world of local media, journalism education, news innovation, and the urgent fight against disinformation. From conversations about newsroom funding and emerging technologies to rebuilding public trust and reimagining community storytelling, On Assignment explores the challenges and possibilities facing today’s news landscape. Whether you’re a journalist, student, educator, or simply someone who cares about credible information, this podcast is your place to listen, learn, and stay connected to the mission of public-interest journalism.

Information

  • Creator
    Robert Sterner
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    14
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Robert Sterner