Launch of Local Editorial Office by CORRECTIV - Interview with Tobias Hauswurz
In the heart of Germany, the city of Gelsenkirchen is making waves with a new initiative, SPOTLIGHT Gelsenkirchen. This innovative project, set to open a café and newsroom, is aiming to establish a close connection with the city's society, fostering engagement and promoting positive change.
Gelsenkirchen, politically interesting as the Alternative for Germany (AfD) was the strongest force in the last election, is gearing up for local elections soon. Amidst these political currents, SPOTLIGHT Gelsenkirchen is actively reaching out to active groups, associations, and engaged individuals, having been in contact with over 70 to 100 people so far.
Tobias, one of the people behind this project, was born and raised in Gelsenkirchen, studied there, and completed his internship at the local radio station. His local roots and understanding of the city's dynamics are crucial in driving this community-first approach.
The topics SPOTLIGHT Gelsenkirchen wants to address are diverse and far-reaching. They include misconduct in city administration, education, and urban development. The initiative is currently working on a small financial scandal in Gelsenkirchen, overcrowded schools, international preparation classes, the development of the city center, and neighborhoods at risk of declining.
Two local journalists are on site, engaging directly with visitors and collecting stories for a weekly newsletter. Citizens play a central role in SPOTLIGHT Gelsenkirchen, bringing up topics, asking questions, and telling their stories. The initiative sees these citizens as multipliers to anchor their work in the city.
However, SPOTLIGHT Gelsenkirchen is not without its challenges. Financial difficulties, structural change, and social tensions are issues the city faces. Yet, despite occasional negative reactions, the initiative receives a lot of support from the community, who desire local journalism that highlights engagement and positive change.
This case study is part of the CORRECTIV.StartHub offer, a starting point for community-centered media projects. For those interested in implementing similar initiatives, more methods, templates, and best practice examples can be found in the Community Journalism Wiki.
As SPOTLIGHT Gelsenkirchen prepares to open its doors, it's clear that their aim to have a close contact with the people and find positive ideas and visions for the city together is a promising step towards a more engaged and informed community.
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