“Is Journalism Failing Its Role in Democracy?”

“Is Journalism Failing Its Role in Democracy?” May 21


Senior reporters John Christie and Naomi Schalit will give a series of talks this spring around the state on the critical connection between journalism and democracy. Christie and Schalit are the founders and investigative reporters for the non-partisan Maine Center for Public Interest Reporting (MCPIR), and will be speaking at the Camden Public Library on Tuesday evening, May 21, at 7:00 pm. In their talk, they will provide an inside look into how investigative journalism is done and introduce investigative reporting tools about state and local government and elections. The audience will be able to participate in a discussion of reporting issues and shortcomings, and about current issues in Maine, with the veteran reporters.

The Maine Center for Public Interest Reporting was formed in 2009 to hold public officials accountable without fear or favor, unencumbered by partisanship, ideology, or even financial ties. By bringing previously unknown or unreported problems into the public eye, the Center’s journalism has given citizens reliable information about state and local government that has prodded government officials into making significant changes in state law and policy. “Independent investigative reporting serves the public but doesn’t necessarily make friends, confirm political leanings, or make readers feel good,” say the founders. “The Center is dedicated to the concept that a well-informed public is essential to democracy.”

The Maine Center for Public Interest Reporting, based in Hallowell, is non-partisan, and does not offer editorials or endorsements. The Center is funded by foundations and donors, and does not charge for its work. It is distributed as a public service. The Center is a non-profit institution with a board made up of community leaders and journalists, and an annual budget of $170,000. The Center bars board members and donors from making news decisions. “We’re not evangelists,” say Schalit and Christie, “but we’re certainly true believers here at the Center about one thing: Journalism’s crucial role in helping citizens hold their government and leaders accountable.”