stories

Blog

Pioneer News

Story-Sharing Milestone

After sharing 200 episodes of stories and inspiration, we reflect on how StoryConnect: The Podcast builds community, strengthens our understanding of national issues and trends, and creates valuable storytelling partnerships.

Stephen Smith

November 12, 2021

Blog

Content Planning

How to Find Strategic Stories for 2022

What unique ways will your utility add value to the community next year?

Pam Spettel

October 15, 2021

Blog

Writing

How to Hit Headline Home Runs

A headline and subhead (often called the deck) can be the most important words you write. Too often these critical components are an afterthought and can cause you to strike out with readers. That’s why our next webinar focuses on how to write headlines that hit home. 

Noble Sprayberry

April 13, 2021

Blog

Inside the Magazine, Magazines

Raising the Curtain on Rural Arts

“The Show Must Go On" is the first installment of Ruralite magazine’s The Heart of Community, a yearlong series shining a light on rural arts. Pioneer is inviting readers to be our eyes and ears for great stories to tell.  

Leon Espinoza

February 25, 2021

Blog

Marketing Campaigns

What Will Your Story be in 2021?

Storytelling, and the platforms we use to share stories with staff and consumers, has never been more important. That's why in 2021 we are focusing on the power of storytelling. Join us in a storytelling webinar January 19, then talk to peers about your story at our virtual office on January 21.

Megan McKoy-Noe, CCC

January 12, 2021

Blog

Writing

4 Ways to Crack Writer’s Block

At some point every writer faces the challenge of coming up with the right words. Here are 4 tried-and-true ways to crack writer's block and finish your feature.

Pamela Keene

June 25, 2020

Blog

Pioneer News

Spotlight on #UtilityPioneers

NRECA’s Spotlight on Excellence Awards program, notified 2020 winners last week. We (giddily) ran through the list and were excited to see Alaska and Oregon Pioneer partners shining. And we were over the moon when three of Pioneer’s entries won gold, too!

Megan McKoy-Noe, CCC

March 26, 2020

Blog

Social Media

Kick-Start 2020 with Social Stories

Facebook and Instagram Stories are gaining popularity with public power communicators. Watch two videos packed with peer examples, then learn how to share Stories to engage your consumers.

Megan McKoy-Noe, CCC

January 2, 2020

Blog

Writing

4 Ways to Build Relationships with Story Subjects

Take time during an interview to build a relationship with your subject. Use these four tips during your next interview: Listen. Show you care. Ask for more. And remember: time equals trust.

Megan McKoy-Noe, CCC

June 5, 2019

Blog

Writing

Pack Your Lede with Promise

Struggling with how to start a story?

Megan McKoy-Noe, CCC

May 29, 2019

Blog

Photography

Storytellers Should Get Close and Be Curious

Think of a story as a house. Many writers and photographers never get past the front yard. To help readers care about your story, take time to develop trust with your subject. Go inside the home to uncover the story’s heart.

Megan McKoy-Noe, CCC

February 13, 2019

Blog

Writing

Chase the Light, Capture Stories, & Engage Readers

Pair useful stories with pictures that capture moments. This was the core takeaway for public power communicators and freelance writers at the Ruralite Communicators' Workshop. Read on for more workshop tips, then share your own!

Megan McKoy-Noe, CCC

October 18, 2018