Magazines

Blog

Broadband Marketing, Broadband News, Magazines, Pioneer News

A Decade of Storytelling Connections

January marks the 10th anniversary of the launch of Rural Telco Magazines, when telcos across the south banded together with shared content to balance local storytelling. Learn how the mission-focused magazines were created and continue to evolve to meet community needs.

Noble Sprayberry

January 4, 2023

Blog

Inside the Magazine, Magazines, Writing

Five Favorite Features From 2022

The editors at Pioneer are storytellers. Here are five of my favorite magazine stories from the last year, covering rodeos, exciting trails, local history, mystery and college tips. I’m willing to bet there are similar stories to be found in your service area if you know where to look.

Mike Teegarden, CCC

December 12, 2022

Blog

Inside the Magazine, Magazines, Pioneer News, Writing

Three Lessons from a Storied Career

We’re celebrating Pioneer Senior Editor Pam Blair's storied career by marking how she strengthened stories and supported utility storytellers. She shares the importance of human connections, why she designs story experiences and how to build a career with curiosity.

Megan McKoy-Noe, CCC

December 6, 2022

Blog

Community Engagement, Magazines, Marketing Campaigns, Pioneer News

Back By Popular Demand: Content in the Wild!

Back by popular demand, the Content in the Wild contest celebrates the creativity of Utility Pioneers. Send us your picture posing with storytelling content for a chance to win $50!

Anne Harvey

September 8, 2022

Blog

Magazines, Member/Consumer Experience, Pioneer News

Reader Survey Shows Strong Preference, Loyalty for Print

Pioneer partnered with statewide magazine editors to conduct a national magazine readership survey. The results answer commonly asked questions from our Utility Pioneers, including what gives you the biggest bang for your communication buck.

Leon Espinoza

August 30, 2022

Blog

Consumer Education, Magazines, Member/Consumer Experience, Writing

Seven Ways to Keep Reader Trust

Our readers trust us. But it’s a relationship that cannot be taken for granted. Leon Espinoza, with a nod to Hollywood classics, shares seven ways to use thoughtful editing and solid storytelling to stay in your readers’ Circle of Trust.

Leon Espinoza

August 16, 2022

Case Study

Consumer Education, Magazines

Tennessee Connections sharpens focus, cuts cost for utilities

The Tennessee Municipal Electric Power Association partnered with Pioneer to redesign and publish Tennessee Connections magazine. In the process, Pioneer saved the association almost 40 cents per piece in printing and mailing costs. Learn how Tennessee utilities can use locally branded pages in the publication to reach consumers with utility news and community stories.

Chasity Anderson, CCC, MIP

Case Study

Community Engagement, Magazines, Member Meetings, Member/Consumer Experience

Webinar Recording: Where to Find Champions for Your Story

How do Utility Pioneers find people and community groups to feature as community champions for their story? Hear ideas from NCTC's Amy Phelps and Pioneer's Susan Bain in this webinar recording!

Megan McKoy-Noe, CCC

Blog

Magazines, Marketing Campaigns, Pioneer News

Pioneer Staff Prepare for Postage Changes

As telcos, public power utilities and industry associations seek solutions to rising paper and printing expenses, Pioneer staff work behind the scenes to reduce mailing costs. Our publications team reports on USPS changes planned for 2023.

Alyssa McDougle

August 2, 2022

Podcasts

Magazines, Photography, Writing

What Stories Resonate With Your Readers? With Michael Rovito

Michael Rovito, of the Alaska Power Association, explains the role of photography and finding your focus in storytelling. He’s watched Alaskan utility storytelling in Ruralite magazine evolve from a focus on utility news to shining light on more compelling stories about the people and programs connecting rural Alaskan communities.

Megan McKoy-Noe, CCC

August 1, 2022

Blog

Magazines, Pioneer News, Social Media

Meet Our Storytelling Students

Every story needs a strong start. Pioneer’s summer internship program provides a digital and print storytelling springboard for college students. Two new storytellers join our ranks in June: Franklin Thurlow and Erika Becerra Gutierrez. Read their stories, then learn how Pioneer’s program aims to strengthen co-op storytelling across rural America.

Sydney T. Turner

June 21, 2022

Blog

Community Engagement, Crisis Communications, Magazines, Pioneer News

Social Storms eBook, HeART of Community Podcast in the Spotlight

Pioneer’s team of utility storytellers won two awards, Best Special Publication and Most Innovative Use of Digital Communication, in the national 2022 Spotlight on Excellence Awards program. Learn the story behind our winning work, and find ideas to help strengthen your next storytelling adventure!

Andy Johns

April 29, 2022