Solutions journalism is a reporting approach that examines responses to problems in society and their effectiveness.
The reporting typically incorporates four main principles: a focus on responses to social issues; insight into those responses; concrete evidence to evaluate potential solutions; and analysis of responses’ shortcomings. Additionally, by helping newsrooms better address the information needs of their community, it can help them become more financially sustainable.
I spoke with three newsrooms to learn more about how they implement solutions journalism approaches: the Nigeria-based Prime Progress, Arizona Luminaria, a bilingual, non-profit newsroom covering southern Arizona, and The Trace, which reports on gun violence across the U.S.
Prime Progress
Solutions journalism is “the bread and butter” of the reporting carried out by Prime Progress, said Ogar Monday, the site’s deputy editor. The outlet uses a solutions approach to delve deeper into how people are responding to issues related to “social impact, repressive culture and accountability.”
One recent article of theirs analyzes the history and impact of a yam festival in Ugep, a town in southern Nigeria. Another describes the continued practice of labeling people as “witches” in Nigeria, and the organizations working to prevent it.
“In essence, what we are trying to do is not just focus on the problem. We are trying to be a part of the solution,” said Monday.
When Monday worked in more traditional newsrooms, the constant focus on negative news affected his mental health. News about the #EndSARS movement in Nigeria was especially depressing, he said.
Monday turned to solutions journalism, which he found to be “good for [his] soul” while still upholding journalistic best practices: “Just like all forms of journalism, solutions journalism is rigorous. You have to talk to sources, you have to find the facts that you have, you have to do every other thing that you do within the model.”
The bilingual outlet covering southern Arizona adopted a solutions journalism approach after surveying community members about their information wants and needs. Putting the community first has also helped generate funding to support the outlet.
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