Giving Voice to the Middle

Urbana native Jeremy Hobson, host and creator of the national call-in show "The Middle," was introduced by Marc Alexander, the Y's Director of Development and Membership. Hobson traced his path from local oldies radio and Uni High oral history projects to NPR, Marketplace and Here and Now, then described building "The Middle" with Illinois Public Media, its funding struggles, and social media's role in polarization. A long audience exchange followed, including a pointed challenge to the premise of a political "middle" weeks before the 2024 election. Fall 2024 Friday Forum x Conversation Cafe series, co-hosted by Diversity & Social Justice Education and the University YMCA.