WORCESTER — Brian McGrory, editor of The Boston Globe, will headline a discussion on the state and future of local journalism at The Worcester Guardian’s third anniversary celebration Oct. 20 at Off The Rails in Worcester.
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The celebration will mark three years of independent, nonprofit journalism by The Guardian and explore the changing local news landscape and the growing role of nonprofit news organizations.
The evening will begin with a cocktail hour and welcome reception from 5 to 6 p.m. featuring a cash bar. At 6 p.m., the main program, “Discussions with Brian McGrory,” will be moderated by The Worcester Guardian lead consultant Dave Nordman.
The Guardian was launched three years ago to help fill a growing local news gap in Central Massachusetts. Since then, the nonprofit news organization has grown to more than 22,000 subscribers and published more than 1,000 stories.
“The growth of The Worcester Guardian over the past three years has demonstrated that there is a strong demand for fact-based local journalism that is available to everyone,” said Tim Loew, chair of The Worcester Guardian’s board of directors. “Brian McGrory brings a unique perspective on both the challenges facing journalism and the opportunities presented by nonprofit local news. We are delighted to have him join us as we celebrate this milestone and look toward the future.”
McGrory has spent decades in journalism and has twice served as editor of the Globe. His previous roles at the newspaper include columnist, Metro editor, White House reporter, national reporter and general assignment reporter.
He also has direct experience with nonprofit and independent journalism through Boston University’s Local News Initiative, which works with news organizations across the region, including The Worcester Guardian. The initiative has helped publish hundreds of student-written, professionally edited stories while supporting local news organizations and expanding community coverage.
McGrory returned to lead the Globe after serving as chair of BU’s journalism department. During his earlier tenure as editor, the Globe won Pulitzer Prizes for its coverage of the 2013 Boston Marathon bombings and for investigative reporting on states’ failures to keep dangerous drivers off the road.
The celebration will recognize The Worcester Guardian’s first three years and its mission of providing free, fact-based local journalism while bringing together readers, supporters and community members for a conversation about the future of local news.
