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Journalism project explores how information flows on the Oregon Coast

Andrew DeVigal of the Agora Journalism Center

By the Lincoln Chronicle

A University of Oregon project studying how Lincoln County residents find news and information will culminate in two days of events on Saturday, Feb. 28, and Sunday, March 1.

Throughout the past six years, Agora Journalism Center Director Andrew DeVigal and his students have spent winter term delving into the question of community engagement and the connections to local news in mostly rural communities ranging from Hermiston to LaPine, to the Rogue Valley and, last year, to Florence and Oakridge.

This January and February, it was Lincoln County’s turn to weigh in.

More than 800 people — the greatest number of study participants — turned in surveys of how they found and used news and information in Lincoln County.

Now DeVigal and his students are holding two community listening sessions and their local partners are sponsoring a screening and discussion of the award-winning news documentary “Stripped for Parts: American Journalism on the Brink.”

“We approach this work with a core belief that individuals most affected by information challenges often possess the most valuable insights and solutions,” DeVigal said. “During the weekend of February 28 and March 1, we will host two in-person listening sessions to share high-level early insights from the responses, along with a few emerging observations and recommendations from our research team.”

A listening session is a facilitated community conversation that centers on resident experiences. Unlike presentations or panels, these sessions provide time to listen, reflect and learn collectively about the impact of local information on daily life and civic health.

“Our objective is to gather a broad range of perspectives from across Lincoln County,” DeVigal said.

During the session, DeVigal and his students will give an overview of early survey findings; facilitate conversations focused on local information, trust and civic health; and provide opportunities to share experiences, concerns and ideas.

“It’s a welcoming space designed for dialogue, not debate,” DeVigal said.

The featured documentary examines how a secretive hedge fund has acquired numerous local newspapers nationwide and how journalists and communities are responding.

After the film, guests are invited to stay for a panel discussion focused on the health of local news and information. Panelists include Rachel Smolkin, president and chief executive officer of Oregon Public Broadcasting; Quinton Smith, founder and editor of the Lincoln Chronicle; Patrick Alexander, owner and publisher of Oregon Coast TODAY; and, Dave Price, a former newspaper executive and now vice president for engagement at Oregon Coast Community College.  

“This event is part of a larger effort to learn about the information needs of Lincoln County residents and to see how local journalism helps build civic life, trust and community ties,” DeVigal said.

Additional project partners include: Lincoln County Civic Information Initiative partners include the Lincoln Chronicle, Oregon Coast TODAY, Oregon Public Broadcasting, the city of Lincoln City, Oregon Coast Community College, the Lincoln City Chamber of Commerce, the Lincoln County League of Women Voters, the City of Newport, the Lincoln County School District, and the Greater Newport Chamber of Commerce.

The first public session is from noon to 3 pm on Saturday, Feb. 28, at Atonement Lutheran Church in Newport. The second session is from noon to 3 pm on Sunday, March 1, at the Lincoln City Cultural Center.

The documentary will be screened at 4:30 pm on Saturday, Feb. 28, at the Pacific Maritime Heritage Center in Newport.

Registration is encouraged via Eventbrite.com in order to plan seating and provide a light lunch. For more information, go to agorajournalism.center.