Community Connections

What people want from local news in DC: Early feedback in Congress Heights, Petworth, and Dupont

After connecting with our neighbors in person. A lot of people gave us their time. So we wanted to return the favor and reflect back what we heard.

The 51st

Jul 24, 2024 — 4 min read

Co-founders Maddie Poore and Abigail Higgins take questions outside of the Dupont Circle Market.

After publicly announcing our new community-centered, worker-led newsroom last week, we dove into connecting with our neighbors in person.

For our first weekend, we popped up at the Ward 8 and Dupont Circle Farmers’ Markets. Co-founder Teresa Frontado also joined Truth in Common at the Petworth Neighborhood Library to discuss the role of local news in preventing and debunking misinformation and disinformation.

A lot of people gave us their time. So we wanted to return the favor and reflect back what we heard.

Across the board, people we talked to affirmed that D.C. needs more local news coverage. “I care most about knowing what’s happening on my block,” emphasized one Ward 8 resident. We also heard time and again how much people are craving positive news. It’s important to cover what’s not working, residents told us – but it’s just as crucial to highlight accomplishments, showcase D.C. culture, and represent what it’s really like to live in this city (which can never be reduced only to the District’s struggles or problems).

Here are some specifics that came out of each location:

Ward 8 Farmers’ Market

Families and young people were top of mind for many people who spoke up. They sought information about opportunities for kids and events families could enjoy together, as well as accountability for how city resources are allocated to schools and their students.

One person recommended that we amplify health and wellness information, including good nutrition. Another wanted to see more arts and culture stories reflecting our vibrant city.

Expanding on the theme of “more positive news,” many people specified they wanted more positive stories highlighting people and communities east of the Anacostia River. Some said too many news reports focus on crime, and do so in a way that does not help keep people safe but does fuel stereotypes and skew how their neighbors are perceived.

One person said more reporters based in Wards 7 and 8 are a must: “By the time the news crews get over here from Northwest after something happens, it’s too late to do any good.” And several noted that they want coverage on how gentrification is changing the city and displacing residents.

Photo of the "What do YOU want from local news?" board spread out on a table with messages written by community members and writing supplies laying on top of it. — *Ideas, questions, and suggestions shared by attendees at the Ward 8 Farmers' Market.*

Petworth Neighborhood Library (with Truth in Common)

Unlike our farmers market pop-ups, this was one in a series of formal seminars Truth in Common has been hosting with DC Public Library to discuss how to identify and disrupt the spread of misinformation. The session was focused on the importance of a healthy local news ecosystem, so participants asked several questions about the differences in how local and national news outlets operate in the District. Many wanted to hear how local journalists mitigate biases in their work and how they ensure community voices and representation in the stories they produce. At The 51st, we’re doing that by building outreach and accountability to residents into our operations.

Photo showing a women wearing a shirt that says "periodista" and a button that says "The 51st" talking to a four people sitting at desks. — *Co-founder Teresa Frontado speaks with Truth in Common workshop attendees at the Petworth Neighborhood Library. (Photo courtesy of Deanna Troust)*

Dupont Circle Market

Several people expressed frustration at the misinformation spread by national politicians about D.C.’s crime levels and requested more accurate information about life in the District. They also wanted reporting on public safety that recognizes the vital role of public funding for parks, recreation, and housing.

Many asked about Mayor Bower’s policies; they wanted closer coverage of D.C. Council, and more accountability reporting on local politics. Others bemoaned the loss of DCist’s events coverage, saying that they now struggle to plan their weekends and connect to community functions.

We heard requests for more reporting on transportation, including WMATA and bike infrastructure. The environment, housing, immigration, and 911 system failures were all cited as important coverage areas by multiple residents.

Two boys around age 6 or 7 asked us what local news was (a way for people to learn about what’s happening in their city, we answered) and then requested coverage of “electricity,” “basketball,” and answers to the questions “how many birds there are in D.C.?” and “how do traffic lights work?” We’re on the case.