Earn Through Conversation
Introducing the Community Showrunner
Every small town has the same problem: The local newspaper has faded away, and Main Street is struggling to be heard in the noise of the internet.
Local businesses, non-profits, and civic groups know they need to tell their story to survive, but they don’t have the time, the budget, or the technical skills to produce the quality video that modern audiences expect.
This is where you come in.
The Hero Network is launching a “Founding Cohort” to train a new generation of local media leaders. We call them Community Showrunners.
What is a Community Showrunner? A Showrunner is the person who takes responsibility for the narrative of their town. You aren’t just holding a camera; you are producing the content that connects neighbors, supports businesses, and strengthens the community.
While the Hero Tool is open to everyone for immediate use, the Academy is a 'Founding Cohort' designed to workshop the business models and strategies that will define the next era of local media.
We are looking for three specific types of builders:
The Freelancer & Social Media Manager: You want to offer more than just static posts. Upgrade your agency with high-value video storytelling that your clients are desperate to buy.
The Creator-Journalist: You are ready to launch your own independent news channel, build a loyal subscriber base on Substack, and own the beat for your town.
The Civic Leader (Chambers, DMOs, Main Streets): You are tasked with marketing your town. Bring production in-house to create consistent, broadcast-quality content that drives foot traffic and delivers massive value to your members.
The Academy: The Blueprint for Local Media This is an exclusive beta program. We are opening our playbook to a small group of pioneers who will get direct access to our team and our tools before the public launch.
Module 1: The Production Toolkit Master the Hero Platform. We will teach you how to direct remote interviews, control lighting and framing, and capture broadcast-quality footage using the smartphone you already own.
Module 2: Post-Production & Storytelling Great video is made in the edit. You will learn how to use the Hero Tool for quick turns, and how to integrate with external editors (like CapCut) for custom work. Whether you edit it yourself or use Hero’s “Done-For-You” services, you will learn the art of the cut.
Module 3: The Platform & Distribution Content needs a home. We will guide you through setting up a dedicated publication (using platforms like Substack) to turn scattered video clips into a coherent media channel that locals will trust and subscribe to.
The Business Model: 3 Ways to Win The “Showrunner” model is designed to be sustainable, whether your goal is profit, impact, or both.
The Agency Path: Use the Hero Tool to manage video for paying clients. You charge the retainer; you keep 100% of the revenue.
The Publisher Path: Create an independent local channel and monetize through sponsorships, ads, or subscriptions.
The Community Path: For Chambers and DMOs, use the tool to replace expensive ad agencies. Create unlimited content for your members to justify your annual dues and attract visitors.
Join the Founding Cohort We are screening applicants for our inaugural class now. If you are ready to master these tools and become the voice of your town, apply below.