NewsBeat

May 2023 NewsBeat 19 April 2020 NewsBeat 15 Rebuilding journalism, together he relationship between news organizations and the public is difficult. So is the relationship between news organizations and their journalists. We're tackling multiple unknowns at once, at a speed that makes many of us feel overstretched and underprepared for our jobs — or for what we think should be our jobs. Could it be that honest conversations about our experiences — within our teams, within a wider organizational structure, and with our readers — might help relieve some of that pressure and provide solutions? Just as a more experienced colleague can help a young journalist dealing with a tricky reporting situation, or be a sounding board for untangling complicated narratives, so can a reader with expertise in a particular field provide insights or a new perspective to help unblock projects feeling the weight of indecision. Small media organizations without resources for long-term strategic thinking could do a lot worse than asking their readers what directions they could follow in the future. At DoR — an independent journalism platform that helps readers connect, understand one another and what they can do to tackle the problems of modern-day Romania — we've embarked on a journey to establish a feedback loop with our readers, through surveys, in-person interviews, and focus groups. It's easy to start a conversation with readers when you want to discuss the subjects you're reporting on. Many journalists do this with resounding success and see their own work benefit from these check-ins with their audience. But it's another process entirely when you're hoping to build a shared understanding of each other's relationships with journalism: for them to know why you're there as a journalist, and for you to understand why they're there as readers. Building common ground takes time, effort, and uncomfortable conversations, but we're likely to see more editorial teams dedicating resources to this in 2020. Publishers hoping that reader revenue holds the key to at least sustainability (if not growth) will need more than a lead- acquisition campaign. (Though that's definitely also on our wishlist at DoR for 2020!). We're all going to need more readers who understand our mission and our values — and for that to happen, we need to talk more, listen more, and work together. Catalina Albeanu is digital editor at Romania's DoR (Decat o Revist). — Reprinted from NiemanLab "Small media organizations without resources for long-term strategic thinking could do a lot worse than asking their readers what directions they could follow in the future." T By CATALINA ALBEANU nynewspapers.com Under New York State's new sexual harassment prevention regulations, all New York State employers, public and private, must complete annual sexual harassment prevention training annually. The final regulations also require that all new hires be trained "as quickly as possible." In response to this statewide mandate, NYPA has produced an interactive sexual harassment training webinar, providing employers with an affordable solution to meet their ongoing sexual harassment training needs. We distributed sample sexual harassment policies, posters and complaint forms. All employers must display the poster and distribute a written sexual harassment policy to every employee. If you have not done this and need the sample copies, please contact NYPA. NYPA will offer annual subscription packages to newspapers, for access to monthly sexual harassment training webinars. For companies with fewer than 25 employees, the annual subscription will be $30 per year. For companies with 26 – 50 employees, the annual subscription will be $55 per year, and for companies with more than 50 employees, the annual subscription will be $75 per year. Annual subscriptions include guaranteed reserved admission to monthly training webinars, dated attendee training certificates, and admission to the live training at NYPA's spring conference or regional workshops. For more information contact Doug Rea: doug@nynewspapers.com Sexual Harassment T R A I N I N G New York Press Association 518.464.6483 nynewspapers.com Making the case for local news By ANDREW RAMSAMMY T his spring, I've spoken to several folks about our industry and where we're headed. These conversations have yielded common themes, from how artificial intelligence will impact our in- dustry to the continued need to invest in infrastructure and technology. Woven through those chats was what role philanthropy will play in supporting local news, how readers will need to step in dramatically to sustain it, and the precari- ous nature of ad-supported journalism. When I asked OpenAI to make a case for local news, it spit out this response: Local news serves a vital role in inform- ing communities about the events, issues, and developments that affect them on a daily basis. Here are some key reasons why local news is important: It connects people to their communities: Local news helps people stay informed about the happenings in their city, town, or neighborhood. It provides a platform for community members to share their stories, ideas, and concerns, and fosters a sense of belonging and shared identity. It promotes accountability and transpar- ency: Local news outlets play a crucial role in holding local officials and institutions accountable by investigating and reporting on issues of public interest, such as gov- ernment spending, corruption, and public safety. This helps ensure that those in power are held accountable for their actions and that the public is informed about important decisions affecting their lives. It provides essential information: Local news outlets provide critical information to residents, such as weather alerts, traffic updates, and school closings. They also cov- er local events, such as concerts, festivals, and sports games, which help people stay informed about what's happening in their community. It supports local businesses: Local news outlets help support local businesses by pro- viding advertising and promotional oppor- tunities. This, in turn, helps boost the local economy and creates jobs. In summary, local news plays a crucial role in informing and connecting communi- ties, promoting accountability and transpar- ency, providing essential information, and supporting local businesses. One has to hand it to AI — its ability to return such a deft response is remarkable. But one word that gave me an "a-ha" moment stuck out. The word "it" at the beginning of each of the key reasons why local news is important. But what is "it?" Local news is defined by the people who live it. Who are impacted by it. Who can see it. Read it. Consume it. Support it. Engage with it. And the it requires some- one to guide it, cast its eyes on it, and to shine a line on whatever it is. There's a lot of it. Often too much of it. If we understand "it" to mean "news," I'd like to see equal or greater time spent discussing the it vs. the wants or needs of what's adjacent to it. That's not to take away from any of the myriad important needs for it, but often we're too romantic about it, speak in a bubble about it, and some think that the tax status of it trumps all of it. I was reminded of this when a colleague was impacted because a local story about her child's school went national; or when my wife began to question whether we should change banks after seeing a story, or my son, who wakes every morning to our local NPR station via a smart speaker, waiting to hear the weather for the day and deciding what he'll wear to school. At no point in any of those transactions did the audience ask about our business mod- el. Or ask about how the news would get to them. Nor did they stop during their busy lives to get it. It was there when they needed it. I say this at a moment when across our industry, layoffs are accelerating. More newspapers are disappearing. And under- standably, some are fed up with it. The case should be clear about local news. People need it. Want it. And daily, have to have it. So it's the "it" we should be focusing on. Let's not lose sight of it. Let's make sure people keep coming back for it. Without it, we're not news. We're history. Andrew Ramsammay is chief content and collaboration officer for Local Media Association,where this article was original- ly published.

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