What we do.
Although almost all of us follow some news about policy and politics today, most of us know very little about the decisions closest to us: our city, county and state governments.
To fill the information gap left by shrinking newsrooms, we use a civic journalism model for sharing community information. That means we don’t just report on local politics, policy, and community challenges—we cover how people are solving them (or not), and how readers can join in.
What readers say…
City Desk provides…” in depth coverage of the stories… before they happen, not after, giving me time to participate in them.”
“Some news items a day ahead of when they are in the ABQ Journal.… I really like the balanced writing. I don’t feel like I’m reading propaganda for one side or the other.”
“City Desk alerted me to the anti-immigrant proposal [introduced at City Council]. Thanks to that, I reached out to El Centro de Igualdad y Derechos, talked to friends about it, kept in touch, went to the rally on Monday, and eagerly awaited news of the decision.“
Anonymous reader survey, City Desk ABQ, June. 2024
The City Desk model
News stories and analysis should elevate our understanding of an issue and inspire everyone impacted to participate in the solution.
Readers and reporters should ask themselves questions like these about local information.
Why should you care here and now?
Use local storytelling to explain who and how this impacts us.
Are we using the right information?
Who is informing the decision? Are the people impacted included?
How do you get involved?
Explain what happens next. Is there a public meeting? How do you contact decision makers with other ideas?
Will this work?
Has this worked in other places? Who is accountable for change?
How can you participate in a decision you didn’t even know was being made?
- Instead of… “The city council approved a $1 million housing contract last night”
- Try… “City council to debate $1 million investment in housing on Tuesday”
The first headline tells us about a decision that’s already made.
The second reports on a decision coming up and it describes the action (“debate”) readers can expect and when (“on Tuesday”). This tells readers that there is a topic that hasn’t been decided and a deadline to weigh in.
How does a reader get involved?
Journalists shouldn’t be advocates but they can inform those who are.
Don’t assume readers know how to contact city councilors or state legislators. Explain when the meeting will happen and if public input is allowed. If local advocates or organizations are involved, explain who they are and link to their website so readers can learn more about people involved.
Invite readers to share your story in their networks to increase participation.