When covering gun violence, developing sources within the communities hit hardest by constant gunfire and presenting their stories front and center is crucial.
However, many community members in these areas distrust the media thanks to decades of coverage primarily focused on the violent crime that occurs in these communities and little else.
Sammy Caiola, a journalist in Philadelphia, covered gun violence prevention for WHYY, the city’s public radio station and NPR affiliate.
Before she even produced her first story, her editor sent her on a two-month listening tour of Philadelphia where she learned about how harmful reporting practices fostered distrust in the media. She also picked up many story ideas and met people who became reliable sources for her beat.
Caiola and I chatted about her listening tour and her ongoing effort on the beat to seek out the people most impacted by gun violence. She shared with me how she did it, why it was a valuable experience and how health care journalists can use similar tactics for building sources.
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