Poynter is reporting that newsrooms participating in its Beat Academy found success in covering political polarization by focusing on nuanced, human-centered reporting. Six months after their collective work was published, participating news organizations shared positive feedback on the experience and its lasting impact on their reporting practices.
The Maine Trust for Local News, through reporter Emily Duggan, focused on small school boards where conservative parent rights groups were active. Duggan emphasized treating individuals on opposing sides as people with reasons for their beliefs. Executive editor Carolyn Fox noted that this work generated significant reader engagement, leading the newspapers to increase coverage of school boards and include them in free voter guides.
Indiana Public Media's Clayton Baumgarth covered the state's Christian nationalist movement, approaching interviews with respect and candor to better understand the individuals and the broader movement. Similarly, Alexandria Burris of the IndyStar, also reporting on Christian nationalism, prioritized detailing policies and beliefs over using broad labels.
Victoria Moorwood at The Cincinnati Enquirer, who reported on Ohio's Center for Christian Virtue, developed a strategy to counter polarization by seeking unique story angles, interviewing sources outside typical political camps, and identifying topics not yet politicized. She found common ground in local opposition to large development projects and is now exploring gun owners affected by domestic violence.
At The Seattle Times, opinion page editor Melissa Davis found that topics like Pacific salmon, forests, outdoor recreation and school funding serve as