Beyond the Noise: An Upcoming Conversation About Media That Is Moving Portland

Portland is full of people who tell stories that help us understand our city in deeper and more human ways. Some report from newsrooms. Some create documentaries, podcasts, or community media projects. All of them play a part in shaping how we see each other and how we make sense of the issues that affect our lives.

Open Signal and City Club of Portland invite you to join these storytellers for Beyond the Noise, a live event at Open Signal on Saturday Nov. 22. that brings together local journalists, filmmakers, podcasters, and community media makers. If you care about local news, creative storytelling, or the future of civic life in Portland, this gathering is for you. Doors at 1:45. Register here!

What is Beyond the Noise?

Beyond the Noise is a public conversation focused on the many ways media can connect us, inspire action, and strengthen our communities. While traditional headlines often center City Hall or political conflict, this event turns our attention to the voices who work directly with Portland’s neighborhoods and movements. These creators are showing us how stories rooted in lived experience can change how we relate to each other and how we take part in civic life.

Together, we will explore how media made by and for community can deepen understanding and widen participation. The event features two panels that highlight different parts of Portland’s media landscape.

Panel One: Making the News

The first panel brings together working journalists who will talk about how stories become news, how editorial decisions are made, and how Portland’s media landscape is changing. They will share what objectivity means in today’s environment, how they approach coverage of local communities, and what they hope journalism will look like in the years ahead.

This conversation is a chance to hear directly from the people who shape public understanding every day and to learn how newsrooms think about trust, representation, and responsibility.

Panel Two: Sharing the Meaning

The second panel features independent filmmakers, podcasters, storytellers, and community media artists. These creators will discuss why community-based storytelling matters, how it differs from traditional journalism, and how it creates space for participation and belonging. They will share examples of work that has made an impact and talk about the growing connections between grassroots creators and professional news outlets.

This panel is perfect for anyone curious about the creative side of civic storytelling and the new ways people are building media that reflects the full diversity of Portland.

Beyond the Noise highlights a shared purpose across the wide range of media makers in our city. Whether inside a newsroom or out in the community, storytellers are working to strengthen civic understanding and support the well-being of Portland’s neighborhoods. Their work reflects the values that guide both Open Signal and City Club of Portland: connection, participation, collaboration, and care for the community.

Be part of the conversation

Beyond the Noise is open to everyone. Join us to listen, learn, and consider how stories shape the future of our city. You will hear from people who are moving Portland forward with creativity, honesty, and a commitment to community.

While you are with us, we also invite you to support Open Signal and City Club through the Give Guide at giveguide.org. Your support helps sustain local media makers and strengthens civic life across Portland.

We look forward to gathering with you and celebrating the Media That Is Moving Portland. Come be part of the conversation!