Yesterday, a segment on the public radio show Colorado Matters (audio link) tipped me off about an intriguing recent project in my own state that blended the efforts of professional and citizen journalists.
Here's more about the project from an Oct. 12 AP report: "The way Colorado local government agencies handle public-records requests varies sharply, according to a statewide survey conducted by 23 newspaper members of the Associated Press and Colorado Press Association over the summer.
"...The survey included requests for records in 21 counties from the Western Slope to the eastern Plains. It covered municipal and county agencies, school districts and special districts. To request the records over two days in June, newspapers recruited members of the public, interns and reporters who identified themselves when asked." (Emphasis added.)
It's a fascinating project -- but what caught my attention was that the state press association played a key role in coordinating the efforts of the papers and volunteers.
Makes me think: Maybe this kind of pro-amateur collaboration is something press associations should be more involved with. It certainly would spice things up at the meetings!
What do you think? Please comment below.
Amy: Press associations working with AP on this is not...
