Vermont Public, a joint NPR and PBS organization, launched the Citizens Agenda initiative to engage with residents across all 14 Vermont counties about state and local politics in a departure from traditional political reporting. By speaking with over 600 residents at diners, gas stations, and concerts, journalists like Bob Kinzel learned about pressing issues like property taxes, climate change, housing, taxes, education, and healthcare. The initiative aims to strengthen democracy, civic engagement, and trust in the media, especially after the 2016 election revealed gaps in understanding voters’ concerns.
The Citizens Agenda approach, also adopted by news outlets in other states, involves engaging directly with residents to shape political coverage based on their priorities. Vermont Public’s efforts have led to substantive questioning in debates, voter guides focusing on top issues, and climate change glossaries. By reaching out to residents, the goal is to establish trust and build back the public’s confidence in the media through transparency and community engagement.
While not every resident may participate, those who do appreciate the opportunity to voice their concerns and questions for political candidates. Vermont Public’s initiative has inspired other news outlets like VTDigger to adopt similar approaches in reporting, showing a commitment to respecting readers and providing valuable information beyond traditional horse-race coverage. Through initiatives like the Citizens Agenda, newsrooms aim to center voters and their concerns in political coverage leading up to the 2024 election.
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