Wednesday, November 11, 2009

Let's work together to build something

When I started building District Daily last month, I did not have a clear vision in mind. Part of it was the need to have an outlet for longer-form, more researched pieces. I see a lot of stories unfolding in the city that don't always get the sort of analysis they deserve. A good example of this would be the coverage of Metro. In the past month or so, the Post has had some good coverage of some problems within Metro. This week there was a front page story about safety. However, there have been stories about Metro safety for years. Decades, even. What is needed is someone to put all of those stories together, mix with some analysis, and try to draw some larger conclusions.

I see a lot of possibilities for a site such as this. However, nothing can be accomplished in a vacuum. Since the launch of District Daily, I have been in touch with people who are interested in the future of journalism. I've read examples about non-profit media outlets finding ways to thrive in this "new era" of reporting. I have no idea what the future of journalism in Washington will be. What I know is there is a need for more community-level reporting, and more on-the-ground coverage of news.

As such, I'd love to expand this mission to include these stories. Stories about communities and people. I'm not looking to exactly duplicate what the blogs are doing--but rather build on that. Take the stories on the blogs a few steps further. Find out more, and build. At first I was reluctant to even discuss 'bigger picture' ideas, afraid that someone else would start building something first. However, if we are to learn by example, getting there first doesn't mean much these days. Getting it done right is what matters.

Does any of this resonate with you? Do you see stories in your community that you think deserve coverage? Do you want an outlet to comment on this issues, and investigate them further? Well, let's work together. Let's build something new. Each and every day there is a demand for better local news coverage. Whether it's analyzing a rash of crimes in a neighborhood, or working together to keep the government honest and open, this is something that can make a difference.

Interested? Let's get in touch. We've got a little group going and we'd love you to be a part of it. Drop me a line at inbox@districtdaily.com and we can get moving. You don't need any prior experience, or any qualifications beyond an interest in your community and your city.

by Dave Stroup, filed under Site News at 9:29PM

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