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The following was submitted by Winchester Beat:
Winchester residents Jennifer Haefeli and Tara Hughes have launched a
local news podcast called Winchester Beat. The short format show offers a roundup of local news and events, including many stories from Winchester News.
The show currently focuses on issues related to town government, the town budget, the schools, development projects, and community events. Episodes generally last less than 10 minutes with the aim of keeping it short so people will tune in.
“The idea is that you can catch up on the top stories in town on your commute or walking your dog,” said Haefeli.
For now, the focus is on quick updates, but, Hughes added, “We hope to eventually produce some more in-depth shows on issues like affordable housing and development projects.”
Haefeli and Hughes both served on the Town Meeting Communications Study Committee in 2022. Based on that experience, they concluded the town needed a new, reliable source of local news, and they were both involved in the founding of Winchester News.
Haefeli eventually left the Winchester News Group, but Hughes carried the initiative forward and is currently the president of the board of directors.
Winchester Beat is separate from Winchester News, but looks to Winchester News and other sources in town for its content.
The podcast is currently available on Apple, Spotify, WinCam, and YouTube. The pilot episode came out Feb. 4, 2026, and new episodes are generally released weekly on Fridays.
To submit story ideas or event information, contact the podcast at winchesterbeat01890@gmail.com.
