11. Civics

Sometimes news feels distant and disconnected from our daily lives. Well, that's where civic journalism comes in. It's like the news but with a community twist.

Civic journalism, or public or participatory journalism, is slightly different from traditional reporting. Instead of journalists reporting the news to us, it involves the community actively participating in the news creation process. It's all about bridging the gap between the newsroom and our neighborhoods.

1. Rosen, Jay. "What Are Journalists For?" is a classic that ignited civic journalism.
2. Merritt, Davis. "Public Journalism and Public Life: Why Telling the News Is Not Enough" - An insightful read on the evolution of civic journalism.
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4. Think of civic journalism as a potluck dinner where everyone brings a dish to share. In this case, we all bring our stories, concerns, and perspectives to the news table. It's not just about reporting what's happening; it's about discussing how it impacts us and what we can do about it.

1. The Seattle Times Education Lab: They didn't just report on education issues; they invited teachers, parents, and students to share their experiences, turning it into a community conversation.

2. The Coral Project: This open-source project empowers newsrooms to engage with their readers. It's like giving everyone a backstage pass to the news creation process.

Civic journalism makes news relatable and relevant. It brings diverse voices to the forefront, ensuring that the news reflects the richness of our community experiences. Plus, it fosters a sense of shared responsibility.

Some argue it could blur the line between advocacy and reporting. Others worry about the risk of echo chambers where only certain voices get heard. Civic journalism invites us to take the wheel in a world where news can sometimes feel like a one-way street. It's not about being an expert; it's about being engaged.