Melissa Bowman, Stewart Grant, and Ken Seiling discuss Local Media as Social Infrastructure

In this episode, we bring you a live panel discussion on the role of local media as social infrastructure — exploring how journalism connects communities, builds trust, and supports civic life in an era of fragmentation and digital overload.Hosted by Shannon Knelsen, the conversation features community advocate Melissa Bowman, publisher Stewart Grant, and former Regional Chair Ken Seiling. Together, they discuss the future of local journalism, the challenges of trust and sustainability, and why community storytelling still matters.This discussion was recorded live at Princess Cinemas in Waterloo, as part of the Ink-stained Wretches' annual Journalism Film Festival, presented with support from Waterloo Region Community Foundation.