How to Build Relationships with Journalists Covering Your Community

Local news outlets are facing unprecedented pressures, and journalists are being asked to do more with less. Meanwhile, many people feel the news doesn’t accurately reflect their communities or their perspectives. Building relationships between community members and journalists can help address both challenges. 

In this webinar, Kurt Sampsel of PEN America will share strategies for building relationships with journalists, followed by a conversation with Edwin Robinson of Faith in Texas and Marlissa Collier of the Dallas Weekly about how community leaders and news consumers can engage with local media – and manage narrative power – in ways that benefit both the community and local journalism. 

Participants:

  • Marlissa Collier, staff writer and Managing Editor, The Dallas Weekly; Journalism Pathway Coordinator, Dallas Free Press
  • Edwin Robinson, Chief Strategy Officer, Faith in Texas; Adjunct Professor, CUNY School of Labor and Urban Studies
  • Kurt Sampsel, Senior Program Manager, PEN America

What did you think? 

Please share your feedback on this session and your ideas for future trainings!