For example, a group of citizens could have a facilitated conversation that was broadcast or reported, and then community groups could discuss the results of that conversation. Ideas generated by those community groups could be published in the local paper, and so on. Each mode of dialogue can provide grist for the others, or for the next wave of community conversations. Many officials speak of the need for public forums. But we all know there are public forums and public forums.
Some public forums involve opinionated citizens making speeches, one after the other.
Everybody talks and nobody listens. Such activities may be public forums, but they are not dialogue. At best, they let off some of the popular pressure around an issue, perhaps reducing public resistance to official initiatives somewhat. At worst, they further polarize the community or confuse the issues. Sometimes it is useful, and sometimes it isn't.