Beltrami County Historical Society to Host ‘Media Makers’ Panel Featuring Local Women in Media

The Beltrami County Historical Society will host a free public panel, “Media Makers: The Women Informing Our Community,” at 10 a.m. Saturday, April 19, at the Beltrami County History Center, 130 Minnesota Ave. SW, in downtown Bemidji.

The panel features three local women working across northern Minnesota’s media landscape:

• Larissa Donovan, Bemidji area reporter for KAXE/KBXE Northern Community Radio and former news director at Paul Bunyan Broadcasting.
• Annalise Braught, editor and photojournalist for the Bemidji Pioneer and a graduate of Bemidji State University’s Mass Communication program.
• Meghan Jewett, Program and Production Manager at Lakeland PBS, oversees local productions, including Common Ground and Backroads.

Panelists will share their personal stories and career paths, reflect on the challenges and opportunities facing women in media, and offer guidance for young women interested in pursuing careers in journalism, radio, or television. Audience members will also have the opportunity to ask questions during the discussion.

“This is a rare opportunity to hear directly from the women shaping how our community stays informed,” said Emily Thabes, executive director of the Beltrami County Historical Society. “We’re proud to spotlight their voices as part of our ongoing series honoring the contributions of Beltrami County women to our community’s past and present.”

Topics will include media representation, mentorship, community impact, and how local journalism is evolving to meet the needs of northern Minnesota.

The event is free and open to the public. Seating is limited and available on a first come, first served basis.

For more information, visit beltramihistory.org or contact the Beltrami County Historical Society at (218) 444-3376 or email depot@beltramihistory.org.