The Pew Center has produced a series of videos that explore various civic journalism theories and practices. Some copies are still available. Email jans@j-lab.org if you are interested.
A Journalist’s ToolBox (No Longer Available)
This set of four videos offers some practical tools to help journalists learn more about what’s happening in their communities and to better reflect that in their news reports. It draws on the techniques and experiences of working journalists at The Charlotte Observer, The Orange County Register, the Tampa Tribune, The Virginian-Pilot and Tampa’s WFLA-TV. Only $25 for the set of four 13-minute videos to cover postage and handling. Full transcripts.
The Best of Civic Journalism: 2001 Batten Award Winners (No Longer Available)
See The (Huntington) Herald-Dispatch and West Virginia Public Broadcasting’s ambitious and interactive coverage of the single biggest issue in the state – its future without coal. Two runners-up – The Eagle-Tribune in Lawrence, MA and the Chronicle-Tribune in Marion, IN – launched courageous examinations of their deeply troubled communities that sparked encouraging turnaround efforts. Those receiving honorable mentions: The Portland (ME) Newspapers, St. Paul Pioneer Press, America Online, MTV Networks, and Minnesota Public Radio. 9 minutes.
The Best of Civic Journalism: 2000 Batten Award Winners
Highlights of the Savannah Morning News, The Philadelphia Inquirer and New Hampshire Public Radio projects and interviews with the newsroom leaders. 10 minutes. (See Ordering Publications page for mailing costs.)
The Best of Civic Journalism: 1999 Batten Award Winners
Learn how the 1999 Batten Award winners developed their winning journalism. Video features highlights of the St. Paul Pioneer Press, Portland Press Herald/Maine Sunday Telegram and KRON-TV (San Francisco) projects and interviews with the newsroom leaders. 10 minutes. Limited Supplies Available (Email J-Lab at news@j-lab.org before ordering.) (See Ordering Publications page for mailing costs.)
Tune in Your Community, Turn on Your Viewers (Only Available with Spanish Subtitles)
Hear how some of the nation’s top television news directors are creating journalism that builds capacity for grappling with tough community issues, involves citizens in finding solutions and engages viewers in civic life. 17 minutes, accompanied by an informational booklet. (See Ordering Publications page for mailing costs.)
Civic Journalism: A Work in Progress (Only Available with Spanish Subtitles)
Through public listening, alternative framing, and tapping new voices, Steven A. Smith, former editor of the The Gazette, Colorado Springs, challenged his journalists to invent a better kind of journalism. Smith is now editor of the Statesman Journal in Salem, Oregon. 18 minutes, accompanied by a transcript. (See Ordering Publications page for mailing costs.)
Online Transcript: Civic Journalism: A Work in Progress (English Transcript)
Civic Journalism: It’s (More Than) Just Good Journalism (Spanish Translation Only)
Davis “Buzz” Merritt, former editor of The Wichita Eagle and an early innovator in civic journalism, and media analyst Hodding Carter III talk about what journalism has become and how civic journalism is addressing some of the problems. 30 minutes, accompanied by a transcript. (See Ordering Publications page for mailing costs.)
Self-Publishing Communities: Partnering with the New Competition.
A presentation by Glenn Ritt, The Bergen Record.
Glenn Ritt, former vice president of news and information at The Bergen Record in Hackensack, N.J., shares his ideas for making newspapers the foundation of a region’s information highway by building partnerships with community groups on the Web. Ritt is now publisher of the Cape Codder of Orleans, MA. 23 minutes. (See Ordering Publications page for mailing costs.)