LIVE WEBINAR

 

Thursday, September 4, 2025

 

 11-12pm(pacific); 12-1pm(mountain); 1-2pm(central); 2-3pm(eastern)

 

About the webinar: 

Chris Coates and Allison Petty, leaders in digital newsgathering strategy at Lee Enterprises, will explore innovative approaches to fostering reader engagement and trust in local journalism.

Coates will discuss the Richmond Times-Dispatch's creation of a Reader Advisory Board — a group of 10 community volunteers who meet monthly with staff to share feedback — and The Times-Dispatch Mobile Newsroom, which embeds journalists in local neighborhoods to report on issues firsthand. These initiatives have received recognition from Trusting News and the Local Media Association Digital Innovation Awards for advancing transparency and trust.

Petty will highlight similar efforts across Illinois, including community meet-ups and public events designed to spark meaningful dialogue between journalists and the communities they serve.

Join them to learn how thoughtful reader engagement strategies are strengthening local newsrooms and deepening community ties.