JMR’s Participatory Journalism Playbook

This playbook by jesikah maria ross is a guide to participatory journalism. The playbook is intended to help you select and develop stories in conversation with the communities most affected by a certain issue; design a reporting process that generates understanding, connection, and trust; and strengthen existing networks and forge new alliances that build community resilience beyond reporting.

Systems Thinking For Journalists

Journalism + Design has developed a suite of systems thinking tools for journalists to focus their reporting on the underlying causes of complex problems: the policies, power dynamics, and beliefs fueling systems that actively harm, marginalize, or benefit specific people. By expanding our lens beyond individual events and outcomes, journalists can hold entire systems accountable, rather than just the symptoms they produce.

3rd open chat on COVID-19

In the third open COVID-19 chat hosted by Joy Mayer, participants discussed one process for virtual events, how higher-ups need to set the tone for supporting staff right now, how journalists are taking on responsibilities not traditionally part of the job, and more.

2nd open chat on COVID-19

In the second open COVID-19 chat hosted by Joy Mayer, participants discussed dealing with the Q&A firehose, creative ways to connect with and serve your communities, and more.

1st open chat on COVID-19

In the first open COVID-19 chat hosted by Joy Mayer, participants discussed best practices for reporting in a rapidly-changing situation, creative ways to rework standard coverage categories, pivoting from IRL engagement to virtual community engagement, and more.

Why the Civic Info Consortium is Such a Huge Deal

Date: 01/16/2020

In 2018, New Jersey created the Civic Information Consortium, a first-of-its-kind nonprofit with the mission of strengthening local-news coverage and boosting civic engagement in communities across the state. Free Press Action conceived of the Civic Info Bill, which created the consortium and is now serving as a model for other states that are seeking to give people the news and information they need.