Ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes of the Dispatch newsroom? Or how the editors make decisions about coverage or story placement? What about the paywall or e-edition or podcasts?
With a new monthly Facebook Live series titled “Ask The Editor,” Dispatch leaders hope to connect with readers in a new way and increase transparency into how the reporters, photographers and editors gather and report the news.
“If you’ve ever wondered how or why we do what we do, here’s your chance to ask.”
— Matt Erickson, Brainerd Dispatch editor
Dispatch Editor Matt Erickson and Community Editor Chelsey Perkins will kick off the live series at 3 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 12. The first installment will share how the newsroom is organized and what a typical day looks like for the team, from early morning planning to the final product’s completion late at night, plus all the website and social media updating in between.
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“It’s really a great opportunity for us to chat directly with our readers, to give them a peek behind the curtain, so to speak, of how we put together the Dispatch each day,” Erickson said. “If you’ve ever wondered how or why we do what we do, here’s your chance to ask.”
Perkins said the platform provides the opportunity to address misunderstandings about how the Dispatch newsroom functions.
“My hope with this new regular Facebook Live series is to increase our connection with both readers and non-readers in the Brainerd lakes area,” Perkins said. “We care deeply about the place we call home, and I want our neighbors to see the commitment of our local news team to getting the story right, keeping our coverage relevant and maintaining balance and integrity in our work.
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“But I also want the community to know we’re open to hearing their concerns and criticisms as well as explaining how and why we do what we do. I hope this series provides an opportunity for people to get to know our team and see the value in local journalism.”
"We care deeply about the place we call home, and I want our neighbors to see the commitment of our local news team to getting the story right, keeping our coverage relevant and maintaining balance and integrity in our work."
— Chelsey Perkins, Brainerd Dispatch community editor
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How to participate
The editors will answer live questions on news-related topics posted in the comments as well as those submitted ahead of time through a form below. People may also submit questions by email at asktheeditor@brainerddispatch.com or by mail at Brainerd Dispatch, Attn: Ask The Editor, P.O. Box 974, Brainerd, MN 56401. Include your name and city along with a phone number for any follow-up questions. Phone numbers are not for publication.
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Visit facebook.com/brainerddispatch to participate live or to view the recorded segment later. A recording of the conversation will also be shared as an episode of the “DispatchCast,” one of two podcasts produced by the Dispatch newsroom.
