An exciting project is underway in Macon that demonstrates how serious GPB is about telling local stories for every Georgia community. I also think of it as a test case for the future of local news reporting and the future of journalism education.

The Center for Collaborative Journalism is a partnership between GPB, Mercer University and The Telegraph newspaper. It merges print, digital and radio reporting while training college students across these platforms. At the same time, us working journos expect to learn new tools of the trade.

All of the buzz the CCJ has gotten in media circles over the past year is finally coming to fruition. GPB Macon is now on the radio Monday through Friday between 6 - 9 AM exclusively in middle Georgia with local news, conversations, weather, traffic and events. Right next door to the GPB Macon studios, the Telegraph has moved into a new Mercer building called The Lofts At Mercer Village. The Telegraph will run its newsroom next door to classrooms and beneath new student apartments. Mercer students will be living, learning and working along side professional journalists.

It's a lot of change at once. We're steering the process with a firm commitment to success and service to Georgians. And everyone here at GPB is very excited.

The Telegraph's Executive Editor Sherri Marshall published her thoughts on the change. Click here to see Sherri's column.