New England Public Media airs and publishes commentaries from local people during Morning Edition and All Things Considered. We look for contributors in the region whose views will be of continuing interest and value to New England Public Media’s listeners — from the Berkshires to Worcester, Hartford to Brattleboro, and all points between.
Experts in a particular field who have an informed perspective on events in the news — whether local, national or international — are wanted. We also seek people with knowledge of local civics, culture and history, with an eye on little-known but fascinating elements of the regional experience. And we seek non-experts who by virtue of their thoughtfulness broaden or deepen our understanding of the world we live in.
Please email submissions to our commentary editor at commentaries@nepm.org.
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Henry G. Gilbert Nursery and Seed Trade Catalog Collection/Creative commonsDeemed a popular destination in the 1890 guide, "Carriage Driving in Western Massachusetts," there were asters, pinks and petunias, as well as cherries, plums and peaches. And, of course, the pansy. -
Andrew VarnonMost days, commentator and 5th grade English teacher Andrew Varnon walks to work. He approaches Greenfield Middle School from the back, where he thinks it looks more like a medieval castle than a school. He finds that an interesting coincidence.
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Jim Davis/AP / Pool Boston GlobeSixteen-year-old climate activist Ollie Perrault says witnessing first-hand the effects of climate change on her family’s Massachusetts farm inspired her to take action. She says there are lots of other kids her age who share her sense of urgency and have become activists.
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Michael Dwyer/APLast month, four people were arrested for trespassing after staging a sit-in outside the Mayor’s office at Boston City Hall. They were calling for a public hearing to rename Boston’s Faneuil Hall, an iconic marketplace and public meeting space. Commentator Nick DeLuca says the protests provide us an opportunity to face some uncomfortable history and he hopes we’ll take it.
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The parents of commentator Madelaine Zadik only left Nazi Germany after her father had been in a concentration camp and her mother in prison. Zadik says she's finally beginning to understand why they waited as long as they did. -
Many businesses, including retail stores, have shuttered since the start of the pandemic, continuing the tough times for brick-and-mortar stores. This past week another joined the list — A.J. Hastings, a store in Amherst, Massachusetts, selling stationary, books, gifts and more. Commentator Martha Ackmann thinks much more than a store has been lost.
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Interactions with wildlife can be tricky, especially when the wildlife starts acting a little less than wild.
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A popular TV show about the life of Jesus has some important lessons for us as we witness a rise in anti-semitism, says an Episcopal priest.
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June 23 marks the 50th anniversary of Title IX, federal legislation that requires gender equity in education, including sports. Commentator Martha Ackmann reflects on the legacy of that landmark ruling, and one woman who changed the game.
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One of Mac Godinez's first jobs at the age of 16 was behind the counter at a burger joint. He'd already been wondering what kind of future he could have if he lived as the transgender person he knew himself to be.
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It’s hard to appreciate her entire career without being aware of the ways in which the studios chewed up and spat out workers like Judy Garland.
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Long before basketball superstars were defined by their sneaker preferences, Bob Lanier was best known for the size of his feet. Commentator Robert Chipkin takes a look back at his childhood and recalls his serious case of foot envy.
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A father shares his story of learning his child is transgender. He says the revelation served to strengthen their bond.
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The president of the International Rescue Committee recently characterized the situation in Ukraine as not just a military crisis, but also a moral one. Commentator Elizabeth Vozzola, a moral psychologist, agrees.
