Community Journalism: Workshop Notes

I recently gave a workshop on community journalism for a writing group in the McCauley neighbourhood. I thought I would share my notes here to try to encourage people to take part in community journalism and to inspire creative thoughts.

A. What is Community Journalism?

It is hyper-local as opposed to just local

Geographically limited in scope (such as a neighbourhood newspaper)

Often produced by non-professional writers/photographers (citizen media)

Can go into depths of community events/news/opinions overlooked by other media

Gives a voice to the marginalized

Media can include newspapers, blogs, social media

Value of substance over style, because it is mostly being produced by non-professionals

B. Why Community Journalism?

Cover topics/events ignored by mainstream, larger media

To give community members a voice

With regards to community newspapers, to present the reality of life in a specific neighbourhood (for example, in the inner city, the good is often overlooked by other media)

A good place to start building a portfolio because it is easier to get published; less competitive

C. News Versus Opinion

One of the most misunderstood aspects of journalism

News: non-personal, fact-based, written in the third person. An article or column.

Opinion: Personal, feelings-based, written in the first person. Editorial or letter to the editor.

D. Assignments

Five minutes each; share afterwards:

1) List a choice of themes, and ask participants to write something on that theme.
2) Write a short news piece on something going on in your community.
3) Write an opinion on something in the community, such as a social issue or recent happening.