Civic Discourse & Democracy

As part of API's work, we are “passing the mic” to people in opinion sections and out to share what they are doing on this topic.

Editor’s Note: The American Press Institute is helping news organizations reimagine local opinion journalism to promote healthier civic discourse and to better understand its role [...]

Across the country, thoughtful editors are seeking more op-eds and contributions that get away from publishing pure “opinion,” which some might read as assertions based on data or perhaps bonafides.

When you look at your local opinion journalism, what elements can you tackle individually to increase the views and experiences included in the conversation?

By expanding Opinion, we hoped to provide information that would lead to more civic participation in government, local schools and grassroots community organizations.

If you widen your view of whom to learn from — even in your own community — what ideas and partnerships might follow?

If you were to start with a blank canvas, how would you build a new kind of local opinion and commentary section, from scratch, for this moment?

Creators of The Flip Side spent the past year researching and speaking with engineers, designers, academics and community moderators about how best to design an online community where meaningful discussions can take place.

When we avoid triggering the worst in human nature, we have a better chance of tapping into the best, such as human creativity and imagination.

The American Press Institute is continuing to help news organizations reimagine local opinion journalism to promote  healthier civic discourse and to better understand its role in news business sustainability.