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Publisher Matt Aiken, left, and a special guest that many might recognize as a prominent local law enforcement officer film a segment for Nuggetcast! in the middle of The Nugget office last week. Aiken and staff writer Jake Cantrell anchor the action in the weekly podcast which takes place in the center of The Nugget office. Each installment is meant to tell the story behind the stories in The Dahlonega Nugget, and what it takes to report them. New episodes of Nuggetcast! post Fridays at 9 a.m. on YouTube.
This edition of The Dahlonega Nugget is coming to a podcast near you. In two days, to be exact.
It’s then, on Friday morning, that Episode 4 of Nuggetcast! will officially post on The Nugget’s YouTube channel.
Billed as The Nugget in podcast form, staff writer Jake Cantrell and publisher Matt Aiken host the proceedings from the middle of the office during the workday.
Cantrell, who provides the tech-savviness of the operation, jumped at the chance when Aiken mentioned the possibility in a column a couple weeks ago.
“It’s a new thing that we could do that not every local newspaper is out doing,” said Cantrell. “And it’s just fun.”
Fun, and an informal vibe, is the idea behind the cast. Aiken said most newspapers are a lively place to work but the readers don’t often see it.
“We’re so busy reporting the news that we never really share much about ourselves, and the story behind our stories,” he said. “That’s the idea behind Nuggetcast! It’s a chance for readers to kind of hang out at The Nugget.”
Cantrell said it’s all about keeping it a true Nugget production.
“I feel like we’ve done a good job at that,” he said. “Keeping The Nugget character and keeping the personality of us true.”
On the most recent episode Sheriff Stacy Jarrard stopped by to share memories of working with the recently departed and beloved Randy Pruitt.
After that Cantrell and Aiken told the the story behind the “midnight earthquake” and citizens reports of 911 calls to the Gilmer County Sheriff’s Office, but none to Lumpkin.
“Around here we handle our own earthquakes without law enforcement,” said Aiken during the cast.
“Take that Gilmer!” said Cantrell. “Just kidding we appreciate your viewership.”
And The Nugget appreciate your viewership too. Just head to our YouTube Channel at 9 a.m. on Friday or www.thedahloneganugget.com after that.
Check out the third Nuggetcast! episode here.