Engaged journalism is about closing the gaps between communities and journalists who aim to serve them. To succeed in doing so requires centering the information needs and habits of community members and creating spaces that welcome and reflect them. The entries listed here—Voter Game Plan, Karen Bass mayoral survey, and the series of pregnancy guides in English and Spanish—reflect the strength and commitment of LAist as a community-focused public media organization.
Voter Game Plan provided voters in Los Angeles vital tools and information to help them cast a ballot with confidence in the November 8 General Election, including interactive voter guides (in English and Spanish), the ability for readers to submit questions to the editorial team, and more. Much of its content was rooted in the questions the newsroom received via email and Hearken. The Karen Bass mayoral survey was an opportunity for the community to help LAist set its agenda for the first year of the new administration, enabling the newsroom to hold the mayor and city council accountable to the top concerns. And the pregnancy guides are built based on the insights and questions of parents, with an emphasis on serving those most affected by disparities in the healthcare system. It also includes a weekly text messaging service.
