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Benjamin Schachtman

@schachtman.bsky.social
117 followers 43 following 111 posts

News Director at WHQR, former Port City Daily editor. Journalist, writer, food-cooker, metalhead with a Ph.D. Opinions are my own. Jokes may have been stolen.

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Benjamin Schachtman @schachtman.bsky.social · 5h
In a polarized era, marked in places by open hostility between politicians and the press, it’s worth recognizing candidates willing to put themselves out there, living up to their end of the campaign bargain. It’s far better than the alternatives.
whqr.org
Sunday Edition: Stand and Deliver
In a polarized era, marked in places by open hostility between politicians and the press, it’s worth recognizing candidates willing to put themselves out there, living up to their end of the campaign ...
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Benjamin Schachtman @schachtman.bsky.social · 27/09/2026
This week’s column: After a week occupied with the business of the pledge drive, WHQR’s newsroom is pivoting back to reporting, and I’m catching up on a few stories from this month, with some postscripts and a few lingering questions.
whqr.org
Sunday Edition: Editor’s Notes on Chemours, Flock Camers, and the Cape Fear Memorial Bridge
After a week occupied with the business of the pledge drive, WHQR’s newsroom is pivoting back to reporting. News Director Benjamin Schachtman catches up on a few stories from this month, with some pos...
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Benjamin Schachtman @schachtman.bsky.social · 20/09/2026
This week’s column: Public media is an imperfect system, but it may be the best chance for local journalists in a rapidly degrading news ecosystem. I’m making the case for it in mid-pledge drive — when the whole thing seems a little fragile, but also urgently necessary.
whqr.org
Sunday Edition: The Mission
Public media is not a perfect system, but it may be the best chance for local journalists in a news ecosystem that is rapidly degrading. WHQR News Director Ben Schachtman makes the case for it in the ...
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Benjamin Schachtman @schachtman.bsky.social · 13/09/2026
This week’s column: There’s significant momentum behind the plans for a tolled replacement of the Cape Fear Memorial Bridge, which are nearing the point of no return. Questions remain, and some want new options. Here’s how we got here, and what could come next.
whqr.org
Sunday Edition: A Bridge to Sell You
There’s significant momentum behind the plans for a tolled replacement of the Cape Fear Memorial Bridge, which are nearing the point of no return. Serious questions remain about the plans’ impact, and...
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Benjamin Schachtman @schachtman.bsky.social · 06/09/2026
This week’s column: A look at Michael Lee’s recent AI deepfake ad, mocking his opponent, Democrat Jessica Bichler — and some of the ethical, political, and even constitutional facets of AI-generated political messaging.
whqr.org
Sunday Edition: Slopping Towards Bethlehem
The campaign for incumbent Republican State Senator Michael Lee recently dropped an AI deepfake ad, mocking his opponent, Democrat Jessica Bichler. It’s not totally surprising, given that AI slop has ...
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Benjamin Schachtman @schachtman.bsky.social · 30/08/2026
New Hanover County is trying a new approach to food deserts, based on a South Carolina program, which has had its own successes and challenges. But these efforts take place against the backdrop of a bigger question: why do we have food deserts, and can we actually fix them?
whqr.org
Sunday Edition: Streams in the Desert
New Hanover County is trying a new approach to food deserts, based on a South Carolina program, which has had its own successes and challenges. But these efforts take place against the backdrop of a b...
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Benjamin Schachtman @schachtman.bsky.social · 23/08/2026
This week’s column: Campaign season is heating up, and fundraising operations are in full swing. The amount of money, at both the local and federal levels, is pretty staggering — but it’s worth asking: why do people give?
whqr.org
Sunday Edition: Give 'Till It Hurts
Campaign season is heating up, and fundraising operations are in full swing. The amount of money, at both the local and federal levels, is pretty staggering — but it’s worth asking: why do people give...
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Benjamin Schachtman @schachtman.bsky.social · 16/08/2026
This week’s column: In New Hanover County, and across the country, residents are growing anxious, frustrated, and angry over the proliferation of Flock cameras. But there’s a broader debate about mass surveillance and data security here, as well.
whqr.org
Sunday Edition: Electric Eyes
In New Hanover County, as in many places across the country, residents are growing anxious, frustrated, and angry over the proliferation of Flock cameras. But the automated license plate readers are j...
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Benjamin Schachtman @schachtman.bsky.social · 26/07/2026
This week’s column: The DSA’s homemade bus-stop benches cause different flavors of furor, a former Wilmington councilman has some harsh words after the city cuts down oak trees on his street, and NC’s film grant program has spent through its reserves — now what?
whqr.org
Sunday Edition: Benches and Trees and Film Grants, Oh My!
Editor's notes on a week packed with news stories: The DSA’s homemade bus-stop benches cause different flavors of furor, a former Wilmington councilman has some harsh words after the city cuts down oa...
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Benjamin Schachtman @schachtman.bsky.social · 23/07/2026
A few of you asked about this back in February, but it took me quite some time to actually get to the bottom of it, or at least get a little bit more information. So, apologies for the delay.
whqr.org
Wilmington said competing bidder for Front Street Bridge contract withdrew. The story is more complicated
Earlier this year, a firm owned by Mayor Bill Saffo’s brother was awarded a $2.4-million contract. The city initially said there had been a lower bid from a contractor that dropped out. Public records...
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Benjamin Schachtman @schachtman.bsky.social · 19/07/2026
This week’s column: After some tense negotiations, Wilmington City Manager Becky Hawke agreed to an interview with WHQR about allegations of a toxic workplace culture at City Hall. It was an important act of accountability — one that’s grown increasingly rare, as more leaders avoid the press.
whqr.org
Sunday Edition: Meet the Press
After some tense negotiations, Wilmington City Manager Becky Hawke agreed to an interview with WHQR about allegations of a toxic workplace culture at City Hall. It was an important act of accountabili...
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Benjamin Schachtman @schachtman.bsky.social · 12/07/2026
This week’s column: Wilmington city leaders caught some flak for a pricy trip to DC. Plus, mapping some of the reactions after drunk teenagers apparently went berserk at Landfall. And, North Carolina again selectively celebrates CNBC’s annual rating of the states.
whqr.org
Sunday Edition: Limousine Liberals? Mass Affluenza? and ‘We’re Number … Two?’
Wilmington city leaders caught some flak for a pricy trip to DC. Should they have scaled things back — and why did they have to go, at all? Plus, mapping some of the reactions after drunk teenagers ap...
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Benjamin Schachtman @schachtman.bsky.social · 05/07/2026
This week’s column: The Semiquincentennial celebrations can’t mask Americans’ deep frustrations. But there’s a lot to celebrate, and more to hope for — though it won’t come quick or easy.
whqr.org
Sunday Edition: America at 250 — Red, White, and a Little Blue
The Semiquincentennial celebrations can’t mask Americans’ deep frustrations. But there’s a lot to celebrate, and more to hope for — though it won’t come quick or easy.
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Benjamin Schachtman @schachtman.bsky.social · 28/06/2026
This week’s column: The District Attorney announced there would be no charges for officers who shot and killed a man in March. Republicans wanted one of their own as New Hanover County's new elections director. And an exposé on the Cape Fear Proud Boys left some with questions, including me.
whqr.org
Sunday Edition: Editor's Notes
The District Attorney announced there would be no charges for officers who shot and killed a man in March. Republicans wanted one of their own as New Hanover County's new elections director. And an ex...
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Benjamin Schachtman @schachtman.bsky.social · 21/06/2026
This week’s column: Three stories this week illustrate the limits of what we can know about both civil and criminal court cases — and the temptation to use overarching narratives as shortcuts to patch the blank spots on the map.
whqr.org
Sunday Edition: The Map Is Not the Territory
A veteran police chief alleges good ol’ boy corruption, a long-running human trafficking case is quietly dismissed, and prosecutors win a high-profile double-murder case without any physical evidence....
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Benjamin Schachtman @schachtman.bsky.social · 14/06/2026
This week’s column: A controversial valedictorian speech prompted questions about ‘dog whistling.’ What does that mean for journalists covering anti-semitism and other forms of bigotry? And how does that look against the backdrop of a creeping nihilism?
whqr.org
Sunday Edition: Dog Whistlin' Dixie
A controversial valedictorian speech at a Wilmington high school prompted questions about ‘dog whistling,’ the art of saying something without quite saying it. What does that mean for journalists cove...
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Benjamin Schachtman @schachtman.bsky.social · 07/06/2026
This week’s column: The Endowment's leadership recently said, "We could not be more transparent.” That’s hard to square with their founding documents and some of their approach to openness and public discussion. So maybe it’s time for a level-set about what journalists mean by “transparency.”
whqr.org
Sunday Edition: The Endowment's Transparency Problem
The Endowment's leadership recently said, "We could not be more transparent.” That’s hard to square with their founding documents and some of their approach to openness and public discussion. So, mayb...
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Benjamin Schachtman @schachtman.bsky.social · 31/05/2026
Wilmington’s public email terminal, once a key resource for accountability reporting, became increasingly difficult to access before it was removed entirely. I think that’s a loss for the community and a policy mistake the city should reconsider.
whqr.org
Sunday Edition: Pulling the Plug
For a long time, the City of Wilmington maintained a public terminal, allowing the press — and the public — to easily review city emails. Over the last few years, accessing the terminal became more di...
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Benjamin Schachtman @schachtman.bsky.social · 24/05/2026
A little more from this week’s Sunday Edition — a postscript on the pros and cons of New Hanover County’s budget, and the apparent fate of the county elections director.
whqr.org
Editor’s notes: Budget postscript, Elections Director
A little extra from this week's Sunday Edition, including some notes on the pros and cons of this year's New Hanover County budget, and the apparent fate of the county elections director.
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Benjamin Schachtman @schachtman.bsky.social · 24/05/2026
This week’s column: Every year I get questions, earnest and otherwise, about the comparative funding for law enforcement versus public education. So, we crunched some numbers, asked some questions, and tried to come up with an even-handed answer.
whqr.org
Sunday Edition: Of Sheriffs and Superintendents
One of the invariable questions during the county’s budget process is about the comparative funding for public schools versus public safety. Given that the former is the subject of perennial debate wh...
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Benjamin Schachtman @schachtman.bsky.social · 17/05/2026
This week’s column: We’ve been here before — Novant says things have improved, some remain skeptical. I think there are reasons to be cautiously optimistic, but also that there’s a ways yet to go before the public is won over.
whqr.org
Sunday Edition: The Day After Groundhog Day
Novant New Hanover Regional Medical Center’s leadership continues to argue that safety and quality ratings are outdated and fail to paint an accurate picture of the current conditions at the hospital....
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Benjamin Schachtman @schachtman.bsky.social · 10/05/2026
More from this week’s Sunday Edition: A round up of other stories and issues that came across our desks this week. And, yes, a few thoughts about NHCSO’s choice of quotes for its recent redecoration.
whqr.org
Sunday Edition: Editor's notes on Novant's straight C's, NHC Elections Director's response, and NHCSO's Orwellian quote
From this week's Sunday Edition: Notes from the desk of News Director Ben Schachtman on the recent safety and quality ratings for Novant NHRMC, the latest in the story of New Hanover County's embattle...
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Benjamin Schachtman @schachtman.bsky.social · 10/05/2026
This week’s column: Some thoughts on the settlements in the child abuse lawsuits against New Hanover County Schools, an ambivalent milestone in a long, sad story.
whqr.org
Sunday Edition: An Unsettling Story
Settlements resolve civil lawsuits where both parties have concerns about the costs — financial, psychological, and reputational — of going to trial. Often, they’re the best chance for victims of inst...
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Benjamin Schachtman @schachtman.bsky.social · 20/04/2026
This week’s column: New Hanover County’s budgetary physics have been warped by the gravity of its $300-million reserve fund. Short version: Mo money, mo problems.
whqr.org
Sunday Edition: An Unusual Majority
From this week's Sunday Edition: For most local governments, balancing the budget means choosing between cutting spending and raising taxes. This year’s New Hanover County budget presents an interesti...
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Benjamin Schachtman @schachtman.bsky.social · 12/04/2026
This week’s column: Thoughts in the wake of last week’s fatal stabbing.
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Sunday Edition: Pandemonium
From this week's Sunday Edition: A brutal stabbing. A young U.S. Marine killed. What happened, and why? What can we learn — and what can we do next?
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Benjamin Schachtman @schachtman.bsky.social · 05/04/2026
This week’s column: A recap of one of the messiest Marches on record (with April off to quite a start).
whqr.org
Sunday Edition: Spring Cleaning
While you can never predict the news, this spring we had planned to cover the results of the primary election, maybe some voter challenges, and then move on to budget season, as local governments try ...
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Benjamin Schachtman @schachtman.bsky.social · 29/03/2026
A little extra from this week’s newsletter: notes and updates on the seller in Wilmington's new park land deal, the increasingly depressing chances of having a toll-free replacement for the Cape Fear Memorial Bridge, and a sad postscript to the school board candidate scandal.
whqr.org
Sunday Edition: Editor's notes on Wilmington's park property, toll bridge, and voter fraud
From this week's Sunday Edition: News Editor Benjamin Schachtman posts a few updates and notes on the seller in Wilmington's new park land deal, the increasingly depressing chances of having a toll-fr...
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Benjamin Schachtman @schachtman.bsky.social · 29/03/2026
This week’s column: A conversation with State Auditor Dave Boliek, talking about one thing we can definitely agree on — government accountability.
whqr.org
Sunday Edition: Catching flounder is easy. Transforming government efficiency is hard.
From this week's Sunday Edition: State Auditor Dave Boliek has had some wins in the headlines, including a pricey meal of taxpayer-funded flounder. But he envisions more for his office, including a br...
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Benjamin Schachtman @schachtman.bsky.social · 21/03/2026
I’ve covered some unholy messes in local government, but this one takes the cake. The tensions here have been simmering for some time, but this week they started boiling over.
whqr.org
"Between the offices": Relationship between NHC election director and county manager on shaky ground
The county’s newest election director clashed with the county manager over a familiar theme: the county’s support of and access to the election facilities. As allegations fly, and the election directo...
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Benjamin Schachtman @schachtman.bsky.social · 15/03/2026
Since the day I met him, Ronald Canty was concerned with one thing: justice for his son. As a journalist, I probably wasn’t the best choice for an advocate. But I can at least pay respect to his dedication.
whqr.org
Sunday Edition: Rest in Power — Ronald Canty
From this week’s Sunday Edition: When WHQR News Director Benjamin Schachtman met Ronald "Gator" Canty four years ago, he had one thing on his mind: justice for his son. That never changed, even as his...
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Benjamin Schachtman @schachtman.bsky.social · 08/03/2026
Not surprisingly, we had a lot of questions, comments, and — yes — some criticism of this week’s reporting on Democratic school board candidate Rick Southerland. We don’t have a public editor or ombudsman, so I thought this week’s column would be the next best thing.
whqr.org
Sunday Edition: Notes on a Scandal
From this week's Sunday Edition: An Election-Day tip from an anonymous source, a damning story that forced a candidate to step down, and lingering questions about what happened — and what happens next...
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Benjamin Schachtman @schachtman.bsky.social · 04/03/2026
Honestly, for better and worse, I wish this story could have come out a month ago, but we didn’t get the tip until yesterday afternoon. We worked through the night to vet out what we could and get the clearest picture of what happened and why. We’ll see what happens next.
whqr.org
New Hanover County Democratic Party calls on candidate to withdraw over relationship with sex offender
Democratic school board candidate Rick Southerland apologized for not disclosing that a friend with whom he lives, works, and campaigns is a registered sex offender, but rejected the party's call for ...
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Benjamin Schachtman @schachtman.bsky.social · 02/03/2026
This week’s column: The woman alleging she was harassed and abused by a New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office deputy talks about her experience — and what it’s been like since speaking out.
whqr.org
Sunday Edition: “We should always have each other’s backs.”
From this week's Sunday Edition: Earlier this month, a New Hanover County Sheriff's Office deputy was fired and is now under investigation for misconduct. Shortly afterward, a woman came forward to de...
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Benjamin Schachtman @schachtman.bsky.social · 23/02/2026
I’ve had a few people call me about this, so here’s an update. I can’t say too much more about what’s going on than what’s in the article, but the tips I got were pretty concerning. We’ll be watching to see what the SBI comes back with.
whqr.org
New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office deputy fired, SBI investigating
The deputy was fired earlier this month, after being disciplined with a demotion late last year. The State Bureau of Investigation is now looking into his conduct at the request of the District Attorn...
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Benjamin Schachtman @schachtman.bsky.social · 22/02/2026
This week’s column: Novant’s $1 billion investment is a major step toward fulfilling its promises. That should be recognized — but it shouldn’t occlude other concerns.
whqr.org
Sunday Edition: Novant’s Five-Year Checkup
Five years ago, the sale of New Hanover Regional Medical Center to Novant Health was officially finalized. The contentious process divided the community, but Novant won over county commissioners with ...
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Benjamin Schachtman @schachtman.bsky.social · 15/02/2026
This week’s column: More on the departures from the top ranks of the City of Wilmington.
whqr.org
Sunday Edition: What's Going On In City Hall?
From this week's Sunday Edition: Over the last several months, five top employees have left the City of Wilmington. Two were fired following an internal investigation. Three others have resigned. Is i...
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Benjamin Schachtman @schachtman.bsky.social · 12/02/2026
There’s been a lot of turnover for City of Wilmington administrators and top staff. Often, we don’t know why. In this case we do: systemic mismanagement, misconduct, fraud and substance abuse, according to the city.
whqr.org
After internal investigation, Wilmington fires two top employees
An investigation into the city’s trash and recycling division substantiated claims of timecard fraud, substance abuse, and other policy violations, leading to the termination of the two longtime, high...
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Benjamin Schachtman @schachtman.bsky.social · 08/02/2026
This week’s column: Channel was founded in 2021 by Live Oak Bank to help minority entrepreneurs get access to the resources they'd traditionally missed out on. Now it's been shuttered. Getting honest answers about why has been tricky.
whqr.org
Sunday Edition: Channel is Closed. Why?
From this week's Sunday Edition: Channel was founded in 2021 by Live Oak Bank to help minority entrepreneurs get access to the resources they'd traditionally missed out on. Now it's been shuttered. Ge...
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Benjamin Schachtman @schachtman.bsky.social · 18/01/2026
This week’s column: A starting point, not the conclusion, in my attempt to think through where we’re at with public higher education.
whqr.org
Sunday Edition: What Should the Public University Be?
This week's Sunday Edition: Non-rhetorical questions in highly rhetorical times. What do we want from the state university system? What would restore the public’s trust in the institution? How do we p...
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Benjamin Schachtman @schachtman.bsky.social · 04/01/2026
This week’s column: 2026 is gonna be busy.
whqr.org
Sunday Edition: Stories from the Year to Come
From this week's Sunday Edition: What are some of the top stories we're tracking for 2026? You can never fully predict what an upcoming year will look like, but there are definitely some threads will ...
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Benjamin Schachtman @schachtman.bsky.social · 14/12/2025
This week’s column: This week The Endowment held their latest listening session, but I was paying attention to what they said — and how they said it.
whqr.org
Sunday Edition: No More Moonshots?
From this week's Sunday Edition: The Endowment held its most recent public listening session this week. There wasn't a lot new on offer, but there were some notable shifts in tone, perhaps suggesting ...
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Benjamin Schachtman @schachtman.bsky.social · 07/12/2025
This week’s column: A profile of Wilmington City Councilman Charlie Rivenbark, who this week hung up his hat after six terms, spanning four decades.
whqr.org
Sunday Edition: An Exit Interview with Charlie Rivenbark
From this week's Sunday Edition: After six terms spread over four decades, Wilmington City Councilman Charlie Rivenbark said goodbye to public office this week.
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Benjamin Schachtman @schachtman.bsky.social · 30/11/2025
I love Thanksgiving, with all its flaws, challenges, and mess. But I’ve been wondering about the way our holiday tables have been getting shorter. It might be the best, or at least sanest, option for now. But can we go on this way?
whqr.org
Sunday Edition: Empty Chairs
From this week's Sunday Edition: A few thoughts on Thanksgiving, what it means, and the empty chairs at the holiday table. Plus, a few editor's notes on the end of a political dynasty, the latest on a...
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Benjamin Schachtman @schachtman.bsky.social · 23/11/2025
This week’s column … so much to get to!
whqr.org
Sunday Edition: School bond, bias allegations against the DA's office, and bridge toll
From this week's Sunday Edition: Notes on a few developing, upcoming, and potentially daunting stories: the $320.5 million New Hanover County school bond heads to the ballot, a complicated lawsuit acc...
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Benjamin Schachtman @schachtman.bsky.social · 16/11/2025
This week’s column: A preview of the 2026 elections as we shift from city politics to county, state, and federal races. Buckle up!
whqr.org
Sunday Edition: The Election Cycle is Over. Long Live the Election Cycle!
From this week’s Sunday Edition: The 2025 election season is in the books. The 2026 election season is already upon us.
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Benjamin Schachtman @schachtman.bsky.social · 12/11/2025
This week’s column: Dems swept the local races. Why?
whqr.org
Sunday Edition: Blue Wave
From this week’s Sunday Edition: Did Democrats have a good night, or did Republicans have a really bad one? And what else can we learn from Tuesday's election? Plus, notes on some developing stories.
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Benjamin Schachtman @schachtman.bsky.social · 10/11/2025
This week’s column: Democrats ran the table on Tuesday. Why? Plus, some notes on evolving stories.
whqr.org
Sunday Edition: Blue Wave
From this week’s Sunday Edition: Did Democrats have a good night, or did Republicans have a really bad one? And what else can we learn from Tuesday's election? Plus, notes on some developing stories.
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Reposted by Benjamin Schachtman
davidboraks.bsky.social @davidboraks.bsky.social · 22/09/2025
I have a new series out on WHQR @whqr.bsky.social in Wilmington about industrial animal farming in NC. It's become big business across the state. Today: the view from above, with help from @capefearriverwatch.bsky.social and @southwings.bsky.social Join us for the ride! www.whqr.org/local/2025-0...
whqr.org
CAFO Country: Touring NC's hog and poultry operations from the air
North Carolina is a national leader with more than 8 million hogs and close to a billion chickens and turkeys in production. Most are raised on an industrial scale, in what are known as "concentrated ...
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Benjamin Schachtman @schachtman.bsky.social · 22/09/2025
This week’s column: A memorial to Charlie Kirk, painted on one of UNCW’s ‘Spirit Rocks,’ became a flashpoint for political tensions on campus, and then spun out into a social media frenzy, online threats, and a chaotic three-hour hunt for a phantom gunman. Plus, the latest on The Endowment.
whqr.org
Sunday Edition: Between a Rock and a Hard Place
From this week's Sunday Edition: A memorial to Charlie Kirk, painted on one of UNCW’s ‘Spirit Rocks,’ became a flashpoint for political tensions on campus, and then spun out into a social media frenzy...
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Benjamin Schachtman @schachtman.bsky.social · 16/09/2025
A long conversation about The Endowment with founding board member Spence Broadhurst. It was a long time coming, and — I hope — a refreshingly transparent look inside one of the most important boardrooms in the region.
whqr.org
A conversation with Spence Broadhurst, looking back at five years on The Endowment board
On today's show, a candid sitdown with Spence Broadhurst, who helped steer the hospital sale that led to the creation of The Endowment, served as its first board chair, and has, in his words, acted as...
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