One of the most important missions a local news organization has is covering local politics and elections. However, with shrinking staffs and limited resources, many digital media outlets struggle to effectively achieve this mission.

David Plazas, director of opinion and engagement for the USA TODAY Network Tennessee, recently wrote a study for the Better News initiative on how The Tennessean created a significant, authentic public service experience around local politics. Read the full study.

On the latest episode of the Better News podcast, Plazas talks to host Michael O’Connell about the opportunities, resources, and collaborations The Tennessean employed during the 2023 election. He also offers tips and strategies other news organizations can use to enhance their coverage of local politics.

The Better News podcast is a partnership between It’s All Journalism and the American Press Institute to a) showcase innovative/experimental ideas that emerge from the Knight-Lenfest Local News Transformation Fund and b) share replicable strategies and tactics that benefit the news industry as a whole. Sign up for the Better News newsletter to receive news about the latest resources, case studies, and insights. For more news about the IAJ podcast and future episodes of Better News, sign up for the weekly IAJ newsletter.

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