Common Ground, San Jose, CA 1996
Partners:
San Jose Mercury News
KNTV (ABC)
KPIX-TV (CBS)
KIVE and KARA Radio
Santa Clara Public Libraries
“Common Ground” was an editorial page project designed to encourage public discussion on controversial topics and create public spaces where those discussions could occur. On its editorial and commentary pages, the Mercury News editorial board would publish lists of suggested reading on topics such as affirmative action or changing the state constitution. Library officials recommended the books and magazines and ensured the lists were broad-based and not slanted toward a particular view.
Then, the paper invited readers to attend a small group discussion of the topic at a local library and distributed discussion guides that used the National Issues Forum model of choice exercises.
In 1996, more than 300 people participated in a dozen discussion groups on public education, culminating in a one-hour “Education Town Hall,” televised live on Aug. 15, 1996 by KPIX. About 300 people attended the town hall and another 300,000 people watched on TV. Phone lines were manned by library employees and more than 100 people called seeking more information.
Contacts:
Rob Elder
Former Editorial Page Editor
Email: ElderRob@aol.com