The Sacramento (California) Bee is launching a groundbreaking community-funded team of journalists to cover the inequities and triumphs of communities that have long been underserved by media.
In announcing the initiative in a column yesterday, Bee President Lauren Gustus wrote: "We’re humbled that funders have come forward to add four journalists at The Bee this summer, during a coronavirus-induced recession. While some might say this is a natural time for people to support local news, as demand for credible and contextual information has never been higher, we are grateful for the support and hopeful we can create the space for thought leadership."
She said, "The Bee will add three reporters and will welcome an editor to lead this team, which will focus on surfacing solutions to longstanding challenges."
Initially, she said the paper is calling the team — or reporting lab — the community voices team. She invited community input to identify a lasting name.
Gustus said the positions being added are:
Equity reporter: She or he will focus on systemic inequities in Sacramento and its inner ring of suburbs. They’ll report on where tax dollars are being spent and hold those in power accountable for their actions.
Black communities reporter: The challenges facing our region have been exacerbated in Black communities by decades of decisions at City Hall and the state Capitol. The journalist in this position will tell the story of Black culture in Sacramento.
Economic mobility reporter: The Bee is looking for a journalist for its Capitol Bureau to break stories on how policymakers are creating conditions for working-class people to emerge from the coronavirus recession with a better future. This is an opportunity to deliver coverage that interprets actions at the Capitol and holds elected officials accountable for their political promises and actions affecting the world’s fifth-largest economy.
Team editor: This team will have a leader that seeks solutions, practices accountability journalism and connects with the community. She or he will be instrumental in shaping The Bee’s coverage of a pivotal time in the region’s history.
