In this series of 45-minute conversations, the American Journalism Project will sit with leading researchers and local news practitioners working on the ground to discuss the importance and value of local news. Please join them for any of these conversations:
Conversation 1: How does local news curb polarization?
Wednesday, Oct. 12, 1 p.m. ET
What happened when a local newspaper in California dropped national politics from its opinion page? In this conversation, we’ll explore insights from Home Style Opinion, a book on how local newspapers can slow polarization, and hear a first-hand perspective from nonprofit news organization San José Spotlight.
Featuring:
- Joshua Darr, Louisiana State University
- Ramona Giwargis, San José Spotlight
- Moderator: Marsha Cooke, ESPN Films
Conversation 2: Can rebuilding local news foster civic engagement?
Thursday, Oct. 20, 1 p.m. ET
Americans have grown less engaged with local politics and elections, despite high volumes of information available online and a growing interest in national politics. In this conversation, we’ll explore insights from News Hole: The Demise of Local Journalism and Political Engagement, and hear a first-hand perspective from nonprofit news organization Documented.
Featuring:
- Danny Hayes, George Washington University
- Mazin Sidahmed, Documented NY
- Moderator: Peter Lattman, Emerson Collective
Conversation 3: How can local news reflect the communities it serves?
Tuesday, Oct. 25, 1 p.m. ET
Local news organizations are recognizing and responding to a long-unanswered need to better represent people of color in their communities through their staffing and coverage. In this conversation, we’ll share highlights from Sourcing Diversity, Shifting Culture: Building “Cultural Competence” in Public Media, which explores how leaders in public media are starting to make this shift, and hear first-hand from nonprofit news organization WFAE.
Featuring:
- Andrea Wenzel, Temple University
- Ju-Don Marshall, WFAE
- Moderator: Irving Washington
Conversation 4: How can local news keep government accountable?
Wednesday, Nov. 2, 1 p.m. ET
When local newspapers shutter, communities lose vital information on local government, its leaders, and the actions they take. In this conversation, we’ll hear findings from News for the Rich, White, and Blue, and hear first-hand from nonprofit news organization Nevada Independent.
Featuring:
- Nikki Usher, University of San Diego
- Jon Ralston, Nevada Independent
- Moderator: Michelle De La Isla