Useful insights for people advancing healthy, responsive and resilient news organizations.
The American Press Institute’s Need to Know newsletter offers media and journalism leaders analysis of the rapid changes in the journalism industry, a curated list of must-read stories and guidance on modernizing journalism editorial and business strategies.
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Making space for grief
Grief is not just a personal loss; it can also be part of the civic infrastructure. It allows journalists to explore the question: How can we create the kinds of gatherings that provide a safe place for vulnerable stories and grief?
Read the room — and react to it
This conversation underscored how gathering is a relational practice that, when done attentively, leads to more relevant and responsive community engagement. And that, in turn, leads to storytelling that more meaningfully reflects the communities we listen to and serve.
Create space for new ideas to emerge
Gatherings or listening sessions benefit when the facilitator understands that hosting is in service to others. Here’s what that can look like.
Convening with care
We have an opportunity to facilitate civic discourse within our communities in a way that’s mutually beneficial. But if we don’t do this work thoughtfully — if we show up with a rigid agenda and our own goals — it can cause more harm than good.
Convene to envision shared futures through art and storytelling
The Birmingham Dreams event offers a template for newsrooms that not only want to connect people with journalists but also provide avenues for art, connections and future action.
Coach communities ignored by cultural tourism to tell their stories
Jenna Welch shares how local news organizations can try a similar approach of deep listening, bringing together a diverse group of storytellers and offering practical training to platform community voices.
