Local governments are inherently closer to the communities they serve than their state and federal counterparts. This is also true for regional media outlets compared to major metro news organisations.
It is for these reasons that regional journalists should be keeping a close eye on their local councils, where decisions are constantly being made which have tangible impacts on local communities. From annual rates hikes to planning applications, community grants, budgets, local projects and everything in between – councils make decisions of consequence for their communities almost every day.
So, what can you do to find the stories that matter to your community, and how can you better report on your local councils?
Local governments are inherently closer to the communities they serve than their state and federal counterparts. This is also true for regional media outlets compared to major metro news organisations.
It is for these reasons that regional journalists should be keeping a close eye on their local councils, where decisions are constantly being made which have tangible impacts on local communities. From annual rates hikes to planning applications, community grants, budgets, local projects and everything in between – councils make decisions of consequence for their communities almost every day.
So, what can you do to find the stories that matter to your community, and how can you better report on your local councils?