Bridging Blocks

WHYY News to host its first civic news conference May 3-4

The events are open to the public and free to attend, but registration is required. A panel will feature journalists implementing civic dialogue and community building.

WHYY staff

March 26, 2024

WHYY News will host its first civic news conference May 3–4.

Register now for WHYY News Civic Dialogue Summit: Journalism Drives Democracy on May 3 and May 4. A separate registration is required for each day.

WHYY News will host its first civic news conference May 3-4, during which newsroom practices related to community engagement will be explored and attendees may partake in a live Bridging Blocks demonstration.

As newsrooms are continually learning how to best engage with digital and in-person audiences, while integrating new technologies like artificial intelligence, it’s more important now than ever to build real connections with local communities in the pursuit of responsible journalism.

“Civic dialogue and prioritizing community initiatives to build connections for audiences will emerge as a cornerstone to audience growth strategies in U.S. newsrooms in 2024,” wrote Sarah Glover, vice president of news and civic dialogue at WHYY News, as part of Nieman’s journalism predictions. “Civic dialogue can be used as a tool to grow audiences and reach new customers, as well as to test innovative tactics to develop partnerships and expand revenue models.”

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During the “WHYY News Civic Dialogue Summit: Journalism Drives Democracy” conference, WHYY News staff will demonstrate civic debate and discuss filling information gaps by working with community members and developing best practices. A panel will feature journalists actively implementing civic dialogue and community building.

The free event will be run by WHYY News and Bridging Blocks, a partnership between WHYY and the Free Library of Philadelphia that aims to bring diverse households together to discuss relevant issues. Bridging Blocks is made possible thanks to the generous support from Fred and Barbara Sutherland.

Registration is required to attend the Friday, May 3 and Saturday, May 4 events, both held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at WHYY’s Philadelphia office (150 N. 6th St.).

On Friday, the program will focus on journalism models with the discussions centered on journalism best practices. On Saturday, engaged journalism demonstrations, practitioners and community members will be featured. Learn more about the agenda below.

Friday, May 3

The conference will explore these panel topics:

Local news innovation: what does it look like and funding ideas
Exploring community and engaged journalism models
Structuring community partnerships
Journalism ethics: The growing fine line between activism and journalism
Crowdsourcing engaged journalism best practices
Group photo at Liberty Bell
Lunch provided
Free networking dinners for Friday registrants (sign up is first come, first serve)

Saturday, May 4

Bridging Blocks exercise on facilitating divisive conversations
Learn how to host your own civic dialogue discussions
Pitching 101: Telling your story and acquiring news coverage
How to break down silos and engage in better civics
Who is doing civic news?
Lunch provided
Free networking mixer

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