Fitchburg State University seniors Josh Cronin ‘26 and Zoe Chrisostomides ‘26 have become one with the city of Fitchburg.
The two students have been all-in for nearly two years, working hand-in-hand with the crew at Fitchburg Access Television (FATV). They have been consistently dedicated to their craft, and have displayed their passion for local journalism for all to see with a popular public access television show, North Central News, highlighting important topics and promoting events for residents of Fitchburg.
Cronin and Chrisostomides’ work on North Central News has developed into must-watch coverage on FATV. The 2024 Halloween edition of North Central News recently won a National Hometown Media Award for Community Events, presented by the Foundation of the Alliance for Community Media.
“Seeing Josh and Zoe win a Hometown Media Award was an incredibly proud moment,” FATV Executive Director Nathan Glenny said. “Watching them receive this award in person brought a deep sense of joy—not just as someone who's worked closely with them, but as someone who’s witnessed their growth firsthand.”
Chrisostomides said the Hometown Media Award celebration was one of the most rewarding experiences of her life.
“When Josh and I were called up to receive the Community Media Award, I felt an overwhelming sense of pride,” said Chrisostomides, recalling an emotional scene with her father in the audience. “Not just in myself, but in everything we had accomplished together. (The award) showed me that with hard work, passion, and great mentors, you can achieve amazing things.”
The award-winning North Central News Halloween Edition was a two-part Halloween Special that took viewers on the Trick or Treat trail in Fitchburg.
In Part 1, Cronin took a peek into how the city of Fitchburg and its residents were spooking things up for the Halloween season. Part 2 took viewers to Main Street, where Chrisostomides and Cronin dressed up in costumes. Chrisostomides was rocking a burly beard, mimicking FATV’s own Dan Beaulac. Cronin sported a wig and sideburns to impersonate Glenny on camera.
“Throughout my life, I have always tried to remain extremely grateful for everything that comes my way,” said Cronin, who is majoring in communications media with a concentration in film and video, along with a minor in political science. “One major thing I need to give a spotlight to, and truthfully none of this would have been possible without, is my co-host, Zoe. The girl is an absolute star. From watching six-hour city council meetings after a long day of classes and soccer practices, to fashioning Nate’s sideburns for my costume, which led us to win the award, I would not be here without Zoe.”
Partnership really is what creates a better future for all, Cronin said.
‘We always tried to learn from each other, and build each other up,” he said. “Zoe, being the journalist of the two of us, wrote our scripts. An incredible selection of words that frankly I was not aware existed, a story-telling attitude that could make paint drying seem exciting, and a knack for fashion, Zoe is the best anchor anyone could ask for.”
When producing a news brief, there are technical and creative marks which define an award-quality video, in addition to having a sound journalistic narrative.
“The North Central News Halloween segments featured compelling visuals, complemented by clever script writing, both of which likely helped the video entry stand out in this national award competition,” Glenny said. “Interviewing Fitchburg residents who ‘spooked out’ their front lawns, talking to costume-wearing kids at the Trick or Treat on Main Street event and documenting the community fanfare during an energetic holiday, all played a part in its recognition. What may have truly set the entry apart, though, was the unexpected and humorous twist—Josh and Zoe’s costume debut, impersonating two FATV staff members, which were spot on by the way.”
At FATV, Chrisostomides’ main roles are on-air talent and scriptwriting. Cronin’s skills come to life in producing content and editing segments. He’s also talented in front of the camera as an on-air host.
“Writing the script lets me shape the story, and being on-air feels like the reward,” said Chrisostomides, who is double-majoring in business administration with an entrepreneurship concentration, and interdisciplinary studies with a concentration in journalism and communications. “It’s where I get to bring that story to life and share it with the community in my own voice.”
The Scotch Plains, N.J., native, also occasionally runs the camera, when needed, and recently has started learning how to edit – thanks to Cronin.
“I have to give (Cronin) all of the credit when it comes to editing our segments and producing our stories,” Chrisostomides said. “While I’m still growing in those areas, being on-air is where I feel the most in my element. It’s the part of the process that I love.”
The love of journalism has been an ongoing evolution for these two Fitchburg State students, with mentorship and encouragement from Associate Professor Wafa Unus of the English Studies Department.
“The partnership between Fitchburg State University and FATV has completely shaped my path,” Chrisostomides said. “It really started with my mentor, Dr. Wafa Unus. She believed in me from the very beginning when I was just a staff writer for (Fitchburg State University student newspaper) The Point. She saw something in my writing and encouraged me to pursue journalism. She helped me build my confidence and grow my passion for storytelling. She’s also the one who introduced me to Nate Glenny and connected me to FATV, which opened up an entirely new chapter for me.”
Unus has witnessed firsthand the growth of both Cronin and Chrisostomides as students, and said their accolade was no surprise.
“For them to be awarded for their work, it was only a matter of time,” Unus said. “They are exceptional individuals who have incredible work ethics. Even beyond that, they really do have a grasp and understanding of the importance and the significance of the work that they are doing. That’s really vital. It’s not just that they are good, but they really care about the impact of their work. It’s wonderful to see the recognition for their own work and for what they’ve done, but it’s really good to see that recognition in general because we want to think about how to reconstruct the local news scene. There’s a lot of hard work and mistakes, revisions and conversations that they’ve worked through, and it’s great to see that their work and that effort is being recognized because I think it will just further motivate them to refine their skills.
“They are fantastic,” Unus continued. “They are exceptional students and they work extremely well as a team. They have a great connection.”
When Josh and I were called up to receive the Community Media Award, I felt an overwhelming sense of pride. (The award) showed me that with hard work, passion, and great mentors, you can achieve amazing things.
Cronin’s interest in community media was sparked in high school, where he was involved with the Seekonk TV News–a broadcast show by his hometown’s high school television studio. Under the mentorship of long time friend and teacher, Tony Gugliotta, Cronin launched a segment called Week in Review, which connected students across the district.
“Its structure and tone still influence North Central News today, especially in our recurring segment Weekend Update,” Cronin said. “That early experience of building something from the ground up left a lasting impact on me.”
The show began as a digital media initiative within The Point, says Cronin. While he was attending a campus panel on the Israel–Palestine conflict, he met Dr. Unus, who is the advisor of The Point.
“That meeting laid the groundwork for what would eventually become North Central News,” he said. “Together, with Zoe and in partnership with Fitchburg Access Television, we began shaping a show that would reach not only the University community, but the entire city of Fitchburg.”
The partnership between Fitchburg State and FATV continues to blossom.
“The collaboration began a decade ago with a TV production course which continues to this day,” Glenny said. “Students gain technical experience within a studio setting, along with on-site remote TV productions. We are excited to build upon this partnership through community journalism, which provides meaningful opportunities for students, but also delivers much-needed civic news and information to our region. Fitchburg State fosters a learning environment to best prepare our future leaders, and FATV is thrilled to be a part of this learning environment while providing connections to the community we are here to serve.”
At FATV, Fitchburg State University students get hands-on learning opportunities with industry-leading media production equipment. They also build a professional resume reel through practical exercises with meaningful outcomes, serving viewers with content that fosters community connections.
“Whether it’s behind a camera for a local sporting event, directing a public affairs show in the studio or crafting community news briefs, it all contributes towards the mission of FATV: keeping our community connected, informed and engaged,” Glenny said.
Glenny also received high praise from Chrisostomides and Cronin for his leadership, mentorship and friendship. Glenny, who has worked with both students for nearly two years at FATV, has been a driving force in helping them become media award winners.
“Working with Nate has been one of the best parts of my college experience,” Chrisostomides said. “He’s not just a great mentor, he’s also someone who really cares about the people around him and the city of Fitchburg. His energy when he talks about the community makes you want to care more, too. He has a way of making everyone feel welcome and supported, while still pushing us to grow and improve. Whether it’s giving feedback in the studio or just cracking jokes during a shoot, Nate creates an environment where you’re constantly learning, but also genuinely enjoying the process. Working with him has definitely shaped who I’m becoming as a journalist.”
Unus says that she’s “incredibly grateful” for the work that Glenny has done with these Fitchburg State students.
“So much credit goes to Nate and the space that he created for that, and the trust and the support,” she said.
Cronin saluted Glenny’s commitment to his community.
“He seems to know what’s happening in the city before it even happens, and his network of local officials, community leaders, and longtime residents has made him an invaluable mentor throughout the development of North Central News,” Cronin said.
Even from the beginning, says Cronin, Glenny has been a perfect balance of encouraging and challenging.
“His approach has always been to push us to improve, while still making sure we’re enjoying what we do,” Cronin said.
One of their earliest segments was covering a hydroponics garden project at a Reingold Elementary School in Fitchburg. It was the perfect example of that balance.
“Interviewing the students was both fun and eye-opening,” Cronin said. “They were honest, curious, and completely themselves on camera, which made for great sound bites. What we didn’t fully realize at the time was that we were also conducting one of our first structured interviews. Moments like that, where learning and joy intersect, are what make working with Nate and the team at FATV so impactful. His knowledge of the city has helped shape the direction of our stories, open doors for new coverage, and guide us as young journalists finding our footing in local media. I have countless examples of how his long-standing relationship with Fitchburg has helped move the show forward. He’s not just a director, he’s a trusted voice in the community who believes in giving students a real chance to lead.”
Year by year, Cronin continued, the passion for Fitchburg and what this city offers grows deeper and deeper.
“I find myself learning something new about Fitchburg almost every week,” Cronin said. “This work has deepened both my appreciation and Zoe’s for the city we report on. That connection only grew stronger when, at the end of the academic year, I was given the opportunity to continue working with FATV not just as a volunteer, but as a paid employee.
The day I officially signed on as Fitchburg’s first civic news journalist, I knew I was exactly where I was meant to be.”
Cronin says that one of the most impactful experiences he’s had academically at Fitchburg State was through a course offered in the communications media film/video department called multi-camera production.
“Without a doubt, it has been my favorite class at Fitchburg State,” he said. “The structure of the course is both straightforward and incredibly engaging. Students are divided into two groups and spend the semester planning, producing, and executing a full live studio taping. My group created a fictional, comedic election show, and the creative freedom we had made it an unforgettable experience.”
The course was taught directly at the FATV studio.
“Unlike many film classes that take place in a traditional classroom or on campus grounds, this course immersed us in a professional, working studio,” Cronin said. “It was a true hands-on learning environment. One day, I might be the technical director for a rehearsal, the next I’d be running lights. Every role rotated, giving each student the opportunity to learn every aspect of producing a live, in-studio broadcast.”
This was a refreshing change from the typical academic setup, says Cronin. The class encouraged total creative control, while maintaining a strong focus on collaboration, execution, and accountability.
“More than that, it rewarded commitment,” Cronin said. “Several of my classmates were even hired as production assistants after the semester ended. The course created a full-circle moment. Students were learning, building relationships with local media partners, and getting hired based on their performance and dedication.”
For them to be awarded for their work, it was only a matter of time. They are exceptional individuals who have incredible work ethics. Even beyond that, they really do have a grasp and understanding of the importance and the significance of the work that they are doing.
Over time, Cronin developed a close working relationship with Glenny, and has had the chance to offer honest feedback on what’s working, what could be improved upon, and what opportunities might lie ahead, including new courses that would be built from the foundation being laid by North Central News.
Thanks to actual hands-on experience, the support from Glenny and all the opportunities to get in front of the camera, Chrisostomides has truly discovered her passion for reporting and broadcasting. These experiences will help any future Falcon pursue a career in broadcasting or journalism.
“It’s one thing to study journalism in a classroom, but FATV lets you live it,” Chrisostomides said. “The combination of Wafa’s mentorship and Nate’s real-world guidance has shaped who I am as a journalist. For any Fitchburg State University student considering FATV, go for it. You don’t need to have experience, you just need to be open to trying something new. You might walk in nervous, but you could walk out having found what you love to do.
“Sometimes it’s easy to doubt yourself or feel like you’re not in the right place to succeed, but my path has shown me that passion, hard work and support can open doors no matter where you start. I’m excited to keep growing, learning, and telling stories that give a voice to the people around me. And to Dr. Unus and Nate, thank you for believing in me and letting me be part of something bigger than myself.”