Chicago s News Landscape Evolution From Print To Digital
Chicago's News Landscape Transitioning from Print to Digital
Facing national crises, local news organizations have found ways to adapt. Many news organizations are embracing digital journalism. Yet, even those that have been successful still face challenges from the many online sources which have emerged.
These digital players are often niche-focused and use social media as a distribution channel. They experiment with reporting styles and community engagement, and they specialize in a variety of topics. They have also opened up new opportunities for writers, some of whom are able to monetize their works via services such as Substack. It has also led to a new kind of journalist, one who is not bound to a single publication and can create e-newsletters on any subject.
Some startups use digital technology to meet the needs of specific communities, like those in New York City's South and West Sides. Others want to hold politicians responsible for their policies. Some experiments are even funded by philanthropy.
McCormick Foundation, a nonprofit foundation, is leading the charge to improve local journalism. It has partnered with Chicago newsrooms to research audience and develop strategy through its Metro Media Lab. Furthermore, they have collaborated with Northwestern University's Medill School of Journalism's Chicago campus staff in developing their skills further.
Chicago residents across all regions expressed a desire for improvement in the local news media, with regional differences. Some neighborhoods felt they were underrepresented or misrepresented in mainstream media.
Chicago area news organizations also boast an innovative news ecosystem with both for-profit and nonprofit outlets operating experimental news programs. Some are even working to build trust between journalists and communities by establishing themselves in these neighborhoods and making sure traditionally underserved communities receive coverage in writing as well as voice.
Block Club Chicago, a Chicago-based publication, published a report on Adam Toledo's shooting by the police just months after it took place. Yet they took special care to protect their readers from traumatizing them with graphic video footage.
The TRiibe helps to build trust within Black Chicago. Founded by three Northwestern University alumni who were tired of seeing Chicago portray itself in mainstream media as "the murder capital," its creators set out to create an avenue where their community's voice would be heard while also giving people ownership over its narrative. TRiibe has seen its efforts pay off: the content of TRiibe is widely shared on social media and has led to civic engagement projects do jobs in illinois test for weed [illinoismail.top] Chicago.
