Michael Livingston

I'm a tenacious reporter who understands local media's important role to provide honest, fact-driven information. Strong journalism can shift policy and culture while a good story can change someone's life. Through print and digital mediums I aim to create light with my reporting, not heat. I'm excited to offer whatever I can to serve my community and learn new ways to improve my craft.

1st Place - Arts Feature

Issued by the Public Media Journalists Association (PMJA) - June 2024

Associated with Interlochen Public Radio

An upright piano appears in a pedestrian tunnel in Petoskey, Michigan. Residents want it to stat but city officials need to follow local ordinances. The result; a passionate conversation on what makes a successful community art project. 

Excellence in Writing - Region 7 Edward R. Murrow Award 

Issued by the Radio, Television and Digital News Association (RTDNA) - May 2024

Associated with Interlochen Public Radio

For Points North: Rock Rehab - the story of a woman whose love of geology and the natural world rescued her from years of substance abuse and trauma. 

1st Place - Collaborative Effort

Issued by the Public Media Journalists Association (PMJA) - June 2023

Associated with Interlochen Public Radio & the Traverse City Record-Eagle

A three-part series that explores northern Michigan's lack of options for juvenile offenders and young people who seek inpatient mental health care. Stories were written and produced for print and radio in collaboration with Elizabeth Brewer of the Traverse City Record-Eagle. The series received editing from both newsrooms. 

Excellence in Writing - Region 7 Edward R. Murrow Award

Issued by the Radio, Television and Digital News Association (RTDNA) - May 2023

Associated with Interlochen Public Radio

For Points North: Nature Vs. National Security - a podcast that deconstructs an effort to expand a military training facility in northern Michigan and the acrimony between residents and the Michigan National Guard. 

Report for America corps members are required to complete an annual service project as part of our contract. I worked with students at both Charlevoix Middle-High School and North Central Michigan College giving lectures on media literacy, journalism and storytelling from 2022-2023. I intend to launch a new service project with East Jordan Middle-High School this fall. While an undergraduate, I assisted the Mary Ellen Brandell Volunteer Center with events and community service trips.