International Reporters Visit Converge: Community-Centered Journalism Matters Everywhere
Kanokphorn Chanphloi (left) and Yuda Almerio (right) pose with one of Converge Media’s Emmy’s in the Black Media Matters Studio last weekend. (Photo: Erik Kalligraphy)
By Elizah Lourdes Rendorio
International reporters from Indonesia and Thailand visited the Converge Media studio this past weekend where they got a glimpse into the world of Black, community-driven storytelling in Seattle.
Yuda Almerio and Kanokphorn Chanphloi traveled to the Pacific Northwest as part of an exchange program designed to bring emerging media leaders to the U.S. to learn about local journalism and civic community engagement across various organizations.
“I’ve been in Seattle for two weeks, and it’s been a truly inspiring experience,” Almerio said. “The city feels vibrant and open, from the coffee culture to its creative spaces. Meeting local journalists and seeing how community-based media like Ground Zero Radio and Converge operate has expanded my view of how journalism can empower youth voices and local narratives.”
Almerio is the Chief of The Alliance of Independent Journalists, regional Samarinda in Indonesia where he leads a collective of independent journalists advocating for press freedom.
Chanphloi, a project coordinator and social media editor for the Prachatham Media Foundation in Chiang Mai, Thailand, said she also found strong parallels between the reporting done in Seattle and the work back home. Her organization focuses on empowering indigenous and rural communities to tell their own stories.
Yuda Almerio (left) and Kanokphorn Chanphloi (right) pose with Trae Holiday (middle), the host of “The Day With Trae",” in the Black Media Matters Studio last weekend. (Photo: Erik Kalligraphy)
“We called them Citizens journalists,” she said. “Here, we believe communities need their own voice, their own platform, instead of depending only on big central media outlets.”
Both Chanphloi and Almerio learned about Converge through their program director and were eager to witness the studio’s behind-the-scenes production process.
“The first thing I noticed were the messages on the walls,” Chanphloi noted. “‘We are the part of change,’ ‘Black Media Matters,’ ‘Pump up the truth!’ The space felt professional but also relaxed and welcoming.”
Almerio reiterated this sentiment. “It’s like a space where ideas and collaboration thrive,” he said. “...the people here are passionate about what they do, and that energy is contagious.
Chanphloi said she was especially impressed by the trust between Converge and community members.
“They don't just show up to get stories,” Chanphloi said. “Before covering protests or movements, they actually join as protesters themselves. People see their faces and know they're part of the community who also wants change.”
Yuda Almerio (left) and Kanokphorn Chanphloi (right) pose with BP Parker (middle), a guest on “The Day With Trae,” in the Black Media Matters Studio last weekend. (Photo: Erik Kalligraphy)
As well, Almerio admired how Converge prioritizes impact over profit. “It's not driven by breaking news or commercial competition, but by connection and impact,” he said. “It reminds me why journalism matters in the first place.”
Both reporters said their biggest takeaway from the visit was realizing that meaningful journalism can emerge anywhere. “Real people's stories create change,” said Chanphloi. “This visit inspired me and reminded me why I do this work.”
Almerio and Chanphloi will remain in Seattle for another two weeks before heading to Washington D.C. to continue expanding their understanding of American community-driven storytelling.
“Journalism doesn’t always need to start from big institutions,” Almerio said. “It can grow from small communities with big hearts.”
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