August 21–23, 2023 // How do we advance the future of journalism for all?
The central question guiding Engaging Emergence (EE3) was how to advance the future of journalism for all. This three-day participatory convening brought together 120 journalists, community organizers, researchers, educators, and funders engaged in civic media transformation. Hosted by the Agora Journalism Center in collaboration with Journalism That Matters, and supported by partnerships with Klein College of Media and Communication at Temple University and the Online News Association, EE3 sought to advance journalism that is inclusive, community-driven, and relevant to diverse audiences.
Our Approach
The intent was to connect accumulated knowledge, highlight the philosophies and principles shaping the movement, and foster synergies that strengthen and accelerate the adoption of engaged, equitable journalism practices at scale and with excellence.
EE3 was structured according to Journalism That Matters’ signature participant-driven model:
- No preset agenda.
- Space for real-time questions that matter to the people in the room.
- Numerous breakout conversations were informed by participants’ lived experiences, shared challenges, and a collective commitment to co-creating lasting solutions.
EE3 was not an introductory gathering; rather, it was designed for experienced practitioners, representing a significant advancement in strategy, collaboration, and field development.
Topics We Explored
- Gaining leadership buy-in for community engagement
- Funding practices that align with relational journalism values
- The role of public access media in local ecosystems
- Whether “journalism for all” truly includes conservative audiences
- Bridging divides between traditional newsroom culture and emerging civic media
Who Came
A diverse, intergenerational cohort of journalists, researchers, funders, educators, technologists, and cultural organizers contributed practical experience and posed critical questions regarding the future direction of journalism.
Read the Report
Prepared by Sue Robinson, University of Wisconsin–Madison
🔗 “Engaging Emergence: Advancing the Future of Journalism for All”