In this episode, Ellen talks with journalist Nora Hertel and her news initiative, Project Optimist. Project Optimist, founded by Nora, aims to bring positive and constructive perspectives through solutions-based journalism, addressing regional issues with an evidence-based approach. Nora explains how the challenges faced by local newspapers and the rise of digital media prompted her to start Project Optimist, emphasizing how these factors contribute to a lack of understanding between rural and urban areas. Nora shares her extensive experience in journalism and provides her perspective on the sensationalism in national cable news and the loss of community connection due to the decline of robust local journalism. Nora also discusses the complexities of modern journalism, how her efforts to foster community through “Shades of Purple” dialogues on divisive issues, and how more nuanced, solutions-focused reporting can help bridge the understanding between different areas.Episode Highlights:05:07 Challenges in Journalism11:57 The Rise of Solutions Journalism16:41 Project Optimist's Mission and Impact24:17 The Fractured News Ecosystem28:52 Future of JournalismMore Information:Nora Hertel BioProject Optimist, https://www.projectoptimist.us/Shades of Purple: Dialogue Across Difference, https://www.projectoptimist.us/conversations/Questions, comments, want to get in touch?  Email us at [email protected]. We share your feedback with funders and stakeholders about the value of this podcast and how you engage with the insights and information.Sign up for our newsletter here.

Ver todos los episodios