Why a newspaper series?
What role does Public Access Journalism play?
What’s involved in grantee outreach?
How long does a PAJ project take?
What role does McClatchy-Tribune News Service (MCT) play?
How do we start?

 

Why a newspaper series?
Newspapers bring issues before the public, opinion leaders and lawmakers. A series of five 1,500-word newspaper articles can explore and explain complex facets of an issue, giving readers much more than a “sound bite” that’s quickly forgotten. It also offers editors a welcome jumping-off point to tell local stories.

What role does Public Access Journalism play?
The editorial team behind the series is directed by a veteran journalist and former managing editor with 20 years of experience and media contacts nationwide. We walk foundation representatives through the initial steps, assign and manage freelancer writers, set up photos and logo design, manage all contact with the series distributor, McClatchy-Tribune Information Services, and oversee the series through publication and reprint printing. PAJ also is available to translate series into Spanish; coordinate grantee outreach; create a customized online site for series; create and distribute promotional materials and conduct a thorough program evaluation. PAJ is a for-profit company; we typically work through program contracts.

What’s involved in grantee outreach?
The series will give grantees a rallying point that unites and invigorates them. PAJ builds on that momentum by working closely with foundations to provide an outreach timeline for creating presentations, e-newsletters and promotional materials, including media outreach kits, examples of successful activities and events, updates on the series topics and ways groups can use the series to further their goals.

How long does a PAJ project take?
Typically, six to eight months. PAJ takes on only one project at time, ensuring complete focus on a foundation's issue.

What role does McClatchy-Tribune News Service (MCT) play?
MCT provides the distribution system for the series, making it available free to any newspaper in the United States or overseas. MCT delivers the stories and artwork through its wire service and online site, www.krtdirect.com. MCT also designs and produces any reprint that results from the series.

How do we start?
The issue is at the heart and soul of the story, so the first and most important step is an extensive exploration of how to select it. Discussions focus on how the issue will translate into “people” stories, or human-interest features, as well as proper timing for release of stories. We’ll also look at grantee support; if this is a new issue, PAJ can help build a healthy network. Once an issue is selected, approved by MCT and broken down into story topics, PAJ’s freelance journalists begin their reporting and writing. The end product: Balanced stories using human elements to help bring to life the history, current state and possible future of important issues, ensuring a news angle strong enough to justify placement on news and features page.
 

top