Brancaccio: Public media must ‘design experiences’ to keep communities engaged

It has now been more than a year since the deadly Los Angeles County fires—blazes that caused historic financial levels of destruction, surpassing even Hurricane Katrina. Two of the largest fires, the Eaton Fire in Altadena and the Palisades Fire in Pacific Palisades, devastated entire communities. The fires began on Jan 7 and were not fully contained until Jan. 31.

Nearly 60 square miles burned. Thirty‑one deaths were directly attributed to the fires, and at least 400 additional fatalities have since been linked to smoke‑related heart and lung conditions, as well as other stress‑induced ailments. More than 200,000 residents were displaced, and current estimates suggest that 70% have yet to return home.

Among those displaced were David Brancaccio—host and senior editor of “Marketplace Morning Report”—and his wife. Brancaccio spoke about the challenge of sharing his own family’s ordeal while also reporting on the suffering of others over the past year. He told “Closer Look” host Rose Scott that he is finally beginning to see signs of renewal in his neighborhood.