NewsWithNia is an independent podcast by Ania Felder, a BHS graduate from the class of 2023, and journalist for Belleville’s own Independent, that covers hard-hitting local news and topics that would often otherwise go overlooked.
The ever-growing podcast community has seen significant change in the last few years, with one particular local show celebrating a significant milestone this year. Felder began her podcast April 16, 2025 after being given recording equipment as a gift from her dad and brother for her 20th birthday.
Hoping to introduce more awareness surrounding local news and events in Belleville, Felder explores topics such as new business openings, town history, and nearby events. She pioneers through podcast culture by investigating subjects that often go disregarded, helping pave a new path and creating space for young, Black women in small towns to make an impact in modern ways. She states that this year, she hopes to have the opportunity to cover more small businesses and heavier-hitting topics, such as the new Romulus Detention Facility.
Nia gained inspiration to create her own podcast: “I gained inspiration for the show from the vice president of the NABJ, April Morten, and her mentor, CBS associate producer Logan Lainer, along with an initial push from her father.”
Currently, she is attending WCCCD, studying for her Associate of Arts and planning to transfer to Eastern to major in Broadcasting, Felder is the first in her immediate family to graduate from college. In producing her podcast, she hopes to gain experience and aims to earn credits to become a local news reporter. Despite common misconceptions that she gets paid to run her podcast, she does it for free of her own volition and passion to become a reporter.
NewsWithNia is free and available to watch on her YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook pages. Less than 7% of podcasters are Black females and less than 3% of news reporters are. Consider supporting a small local journalist the next time you look for nearby news coverage!
Ania Felder • Mar 23, 2026 at 1:43 am
Lottie Hill, this was a great story on me! I am so proud of you for not only writing it. But providing background researched information on the demographics of podcasting and reporting.
This is what true news reporting is! Keep up the great work!
– Ania Felder NewWithNia