Back-To-Solutions!
A new class of student journalists at The New School learn what SoJo is, and isn't.
Hello and welcome to another semester of questioning, practicing, and reflecting on solutions journalism with Solutions Now! Our class is back with a new cohort of student journalists who are eager to shift the problem-centered news landscape into one that deeply investigates solutions to the world’s troubles.
We kicked things off by discussing the difference between advocacy and solutions journalism. Then, through conversations on Slack, students discussed the question: “Why is it worth it to report on an imperfect response to a problem or even a failed response to a problem?” Here’s how they responded:
These conversations have been edited for length and clarity.
Next, the group reflected on the most common “imposter” solutions journalism stories that they encounter.
In the coming months, solutions-focused students will continue to interrogate what makes a true solutions story, with help from guest speakers like freelance journalist Celeste Hamilton Dennis; Next City’s Senior Economics Correspondent Oscar Perry Abello; Hélène Biandudi Hofer, who is developing an approach to "Good Conflict" journalism, along with journalist Amanda Ripley; Amy Costello, host of the Tiny Spark podcast, which investigates philanthropy and the non-profit sector; and data journalist Matthew Kaufman of the Solutions Journalism Network.
Be on the lookout for next week’s post, which will feature students’ interviews with professional journalists whose solutions-focused work inspires them.