In today’s increasingly polarized political environment, journalists covering elections struggle to build trust and create a public forum for informed discussion of issues. And even as journalism shifts to a more participatory model in which news is made with, rather than for, communities, horse race coverage continues to position the public as mere spectators to the fray.

This panel will offer practical tips on how to engage audiences in meaningful, fact-driven conversation across partisan divides and provide relevant, important information for voters. Experts in engagement, dialogue-driven journalism and citizen-focused election coverage will offer advice and perspectives on how to build empathy and understanding with the communities we serve.