The Chestnut Hill Local was founded in 1958 to be the premier local news source for its neighborhood in Northwest Philadelphia. While the publication still borrows its name from the picturesque district and its owner, Chestnut Hill Community Association, its coverage and circulation have expanded over the last 67 years to include the surrounding neighborhood of Mount Airy and the suburban communities of Springfield Township in Montgomery County. Its growth continues, as a high priority is placed on significantly increasing coverage of another important but underserved section of Philadelphia, the neighborhood of Germantown.
Situated 3 miles south of Chestnut Hill, Germantown is a vibrant community steeped in American history with a thriving and diverse culture. The area’s first local newspaper was formed in 1936 but when the last weekly closed in 2009, the community lost an important source of essential news and information. Since then, The Chestnut Hill Local has striven to make inroads with local news coverage, advertising opportunities for Germantown businesses, and community sponsorships.
As part of these expansion efforts, the Local created a new business growth development manager role as a liaison to regional leaders and businesses.
In April 2024, Daralyse Lyons became the first person hired for the position. Within four months she was named publisher. Lyons, who has an extensive background in audio journalism, cultivated a relationship with the independent radio station Germantown Community Radio 92.9 FM and its station manager Tom Casetta. WGGT-LP, nicknamed G-Town Radio, broadcasts on air and streams online serving the neighborhoods of Northwest Philadelphia.
Each of the two media outlets is an independently owned and operated nonprofit dedicated to providing local coverage. Out of that commonality emerged an idea and a new partnership quickly formed. In January, Lyons began hosting a monthly one-hour program, “A Local Lens”. Guests include notable community figures who discuss relevant news and happenings in Germantown.
“Part of my mission at the Chestnut Hill Local is to make the Germantown community aware of the coverage that we’re already doing in Germantown, making people aware that the Chestnut Hill Local is not just for Chestnut Hillers as it was when it started,” Lyons said.
“A Local Lens” also provides the paper with an opportunity to expand its reach through a new medium that complements its print and digital outlets. “We’re trying to talk about the importance local journalism and all the things local journalism can do,” she said. “It feels important and relevant to speak to radio listeners about the importance of journalism in all forms.”
The feedback has been positive from both listeners and readers. The Local continues to build traction in Germantown, funneling the necessary resources into its print and digital coverage and radio outreach.
Listen to current and previous episodes of “A Local Lens” by visiting the Chestnut Hill Local or G-Town Radio websites.