From Parachute to Community Journalism: Investing in Civic Health

The Agora Journalism Center, since its inception nearly a decade ago, has been at the forefront of a significant shift in journalism — a move towards “engaged journalism.” The concept of “community-centered journalism” emerged from the need to redefine the term “engagement,” which had begun to diverge in meaning within the news industry.

This approach emphasizes deep listening, collaboration, and relationship building, departing from traditional transactional methods. This evolution in journalism practice is detailed in a new report that highlights the myriad ways individuals and organizations are embracing this new approach.

This new journalism ethos doesn’t just focus on techniques but is founded on principles that respond to the crises facing local journalism, civic health, and democracy in the United States today. Some excerpts below are from a must-read report that (perhaps unintentionally) also offers a philosophical blueprint for independent news organizations in autocratic countries.

“Community-centered journalists are the opposite of parachute journalists. They are invested in a community and its success.”

“Audiences want to see stories that demonstrate ‘caring about your community, highlighting interesting people and groups in the community, understanding the local community, and offering solutions to community problems.'”

“When you provide a space to deeply listen and a platform for people to tell their own stories, it opens a world of possibilities.”

“If all it [journalism] does is focus on problems, it just reminds people of being helpless. When it speaks to aspirations, dreams, and possibilities, it draws people in to create together.” Peggy Holman