“The majority of Americans have never met a journalist in real life, and our processes are often unknown to them,” said Michael Anastasi, senior vice president of USA TODAY Network Local News. “And in this day and age, that is concerning.”
Anastasi recently discussed “Meet Our Team,” a Gannett initiative launched in 2023 to connect local newsrooms with their communities and build trust with readers.
“We want our readers to know who we are, how we do our work, and that we live side by side with them in the community,” Anastasi explained.
Experimenting with engagement
The program is being piloted in 25 of Gannett's larger newsrooms, exploring new ways to reach audiences through journalist profiles, behind-the-scenes articles and in-person events. Participating cities include Austin, Milwaukee, Nashville, Palm Beach and Phoenix, among others. Each newsroom tailors its approach to local needs, ensuring flexibility in execution.
Anastasi said the program’s initial phase aims to refine concepts before expanding. “This year, we’re executing at a very high level without a lot of fanfare to ensure we understand the best working models before potentially expanding further,” he said.
A core team of participants meets regularly to evaluate the program’s impact, share insights and discuss how it influences newsroom workflows. “We’re learning a lot from these conversations,” Anastasi noted, “and seeing how reader feedback can shape what we do.”
Highlighting journalists
The initiative includes regular profiles of journalists that explore their motivations, beats and personal lives.
A recent piece in the Arizona Republic featured immigration reporter Clare Migoya, who discussed her inspirations and the daily challenges of covering her beat. Another in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel showcased Greg Borowski, who shared the origins of a beloved holiday feature he writes annually.
Profiles aren’t limited to reporters. The Naples Daily News recently highlighted Jigsha Desai, a former editor turned digital marketing director, and her experiences raising a family in Naples.
“Readers enjoy getting to know journalists as people,” Anastasi said. “It’s not just about their work but also about what inspires them and how they contribute to the community.”
Transparency through process
In addition to profiles, “Meet Our Team” demystifies the editorial process behind significant stories. Articles detail how topics are selected, reported and published, providing transparency about newsroom decision-making.
“Explaining the ‘why’ behind our stories is crucial,” Anastasi said. “We want to build trust by showing how we tackle important issues — whether it’s holding officials accountable, covering local elections or addressing community challenges.”
In some markets, these process-focused stories accompany Sunday features and use QR codes to gather reader feedback, helping assess engagement and impact.
In-person connections
The program also includes events to foster direct engagement. Last November, the Register-Guard in Eugene, Oregon, hosted a town hall at its new office. The community was invited to meet reporters, share story ideas and learn about the newsroom's operations.
“It was tremendously attended and something we look to expand on,” Anastasi said.
Gannett has launched outreach efforts to engage readers, including “At the Table,” a dinner series piloted in Naples, Phoenix and Louisville. Readers share meals prepared by local chefs who journalists interview during the event.
As “Meet Our Team” continues to evolve, Anastasi emphasized its broader purpose. “This isn’t just about telling our stories; it’s about showing that we’re part of the community. We shop at the same stores, attend the same events and face the same challenges. When readers see that, it strengthens the trust and connection critical to local journalism.”
Diane Sylvester is an award-winning 30-year multimedia news veteran. She works as a reporter, editor and newsroom strategist. She can be reached at diane.povcreative@gmail.com.
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