Najja Parker is the newsletter coach at the Atlanta Journal Constitution.

Better News: How Unapologetically ATL newsletter engages Black readers

Like many older metropolitan newspapers, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution had a problem. After years of looking for readers in the suburbs, the paper found that its majority white audience failed to reflect the true diversity of Atlanta.

Due to its role in civil rights history and the contributions of local artists, entertainers, and musicians, the city has become a center for Black culture. The Journal-Constitution needed to find a way to engage more Black readers.

Najja Parker, newsletter coach at the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, talks about a case study she wrote for the Better News about how the Journal Constitution grew engagement with Black audiences through the Unapologetically ATL newsletter. Read the case study.

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 It’s All Journalism podcast and future episodes of Better News, sign up for the weekly IAJ newsletter.

645. Investigative reporting and the future of FOIA

Jason Leopold, an investigative reporter with Bloomberg News, is known for his aggressive use of the Freedom of Information to research stories. He discusses the need for greater transparency in public records and his views on the future of FOIA in U.S.

Listen »

More Episodes

It's All Journalism host Michael O'Connell speaks during an April 5 panel sponsored by Humanities DC. Also on the panel are, from left, moderator Jill Olmsted of American University; Alicia Montgomery of NPR's Morning Edition; and Mary Nichols of the FuseBox Radio Broadcast.

300. The who, what and where of podcasting

The District of Columbia’s rich landscape of podcasting was on display Thursday, April 5, as It’s All Journalism host Michael O’Connell joined Mary Nichols of the FuseBox Radio Broadcast and Alicia Montgomery of NPR’s Morning Edition and Code Switch, for a panel on podcasting.

Listen »
Christoper Post

478. Keeping journalists safe is a priority for former EMT

Christopher Post spent 20 years as a first responder before changing careers and becoming a video journalist. He talks with It’s All Journalism host Michael O’Connell about how journalists can develop situational awareness and be safe when covering potentially dangerous stories.

Listen »

Subscribe To Our Newsletter

To get all the the latest news about our podcast, including guests and special events, fill out the form below to subscribe to our weekly email newsletter.