The reporters and editors at The Denver Post literally put up a giant wall chart in their newsroom and mapped a largely Hispanic community in northeast Denver. Through civic mapping, they uncovered businesses, churches and schools and discovered within that triangle of groups a broad variety of “go to” people, including Mexican nationals, recent immigrants from other countries and long-time residents.
The result: The Post is strengthening its relationship with the community. It is tapping into the pulse of the community, its people and its language, resulting in stories editors say they would not have known about before.
Go-To’s
Chief- Tom Sanchez/Butch Montoya
AG- Ken Salazar
Council- Debbie Ortega
Principal- Joseph Sandoval
Biz Guy- Zee Ferrufino
Church- Father Lopez
SER- Angelo Velasquez
Lawyer- Manuel Martinez
Activist- Nita Gonzales
Xmayor- Federico Pena
Artist- Tony Ortega
Issues
Mainstream Mexican Nationals
Schooling
Housing Shifts: costs raising, values raising
Loss of Culture: yuppie $
Crime
Police Tension
How to do a better job
Reporter:
- More church time
- Eat at local restaurant
- “Urban Observer” piece on 32nd Street Sunday
- Flat beds and music
- Food scents
- Fashion
- Guys whistling at girls
Current Coverage
Often framed via crime and public safety issues
Low riders & cruising > negative light mostly
Cinco D. Mayo
Sex scandal at Our Lady Guadalupe
Conflict: La Rasa Park vs. Columbus Park
Chili Pepper Festival