EXAMPLES FROM ABROAD

Concerned for its own survival, a regional newspaper group used constructive journalism to rebrand itself and elevate its value to the community. For reporters on deadline, a plug-and-play format book makes it possible.

A free community magazine takes a solutions-focused approach to stories that matter to the neighborhood. It also provides a platform for under-represented voices in the community; more than 150 people contributed content in the first year.

A news station flipped the traditional town hall debate format, putting voters on the stage while politicians listened and asked questions. They lost the drama of political posturing — but still drew above-average viewership, by focusing on the issues voters said were most important.

A TV station put four politicians in a shrinking room and gave them 20 minutes to solve a problem together. Borrowing ideas from other industries — like reality TV — was one way to produce good news that’s not boring.

An online magazine grounded its sex-ed reporting in real questions its young readers were asking. It then hosted roundtable talks that brought different perspectives together, and covered that dialogue.

A newsroom launched a program that pairs people from opposite perspectives for a one-on-one conversation. Reporters asked to sit in and cover some of the more interesting pairings.