Rather than overwhelm readers with pages of statistics on the scope of a problem, civic journalists are also trying to focus on the choices that were made on behalf of citizens. An Idaho media coalition recently compared runaway prison spending with higher education spending, which was falling at the same rate. The coverage produced a statewide conversation on spending priorities. Civic journalism is about redefining balance. Journalists report two sides of a story and believe it's fair.
Civic journalism is about providing entry points for readers to get involved.
When the mayor of Bradenton, Fla., tried to force a big development project through City Council, the paper invited residents to take notice and have a voice. More than 1,000 showed up at a Council meeting and got involved in searching for alternative sites. Scores of their ideas have already been carried out and the local Chamber of Commerce, which was initially hostile has embraced the effort. The ideas for each community were printed in the newspaper along with a phone number to call. More than 1,000 Charlotte residents responded and met those needs.