Taylor Hale, Multimedia Specialist, City of Wisconsin Rapids
The December Producer of the Month is a relative newcomer to the community media world but not to telling stories. Wisconsin Rapids’ Taylor Hale started working in the newspaper industry approximately nine years ago with his first job at the Green Bay Business News. Since then, he has written for many local newspapers before taking a staff position with the Portage County Gazette in Stevens Point in 2018.
Beginning in the summer of 2021, Taylor moved on to the City of Wisconsin Rapids to become its Multimedia Specialist and work at Wisconsin Rapids Community Media. “I got involved with community media as a way to tell stories. I have always felt that telling local stories that larger outlets would gloss over was important in local preservation.”
Taylor has some great advice for those who are just starting in the field, or those who have been around for a long time: “My advice would be to ask for help when you need it. It can be daunting to dive into local media blind. You will need contacts, connections, and skills that can take years to build. Don't be afraid to ask for help, introductions, and aid when needed.”
