Can everyday residents help close local news gaps? Chicago’s 15 West is building a model

For publishers watching coverage shrink while community needs grow, NaBeela Washington offers a starting point: Look for the people already showing up.

They attend public meetings, organize block clubs and participate in neighborhood watches. They know which questions remain unanswered. With training and editorial support, Washington believes, those residents can help expand local journalism’s reach.

Washington, founding editor and photographer at 15 West, discussed that approach with E&P Publisher Mike Blinder on E&P Reports. Her hyperlocal remote newsroom covers neighborhoods within an area 15 miles west of downtown Chicago, drawing support and participation from residents, students and local volunteers.

Its mission begins with making journalism more understandable and accessible. Producing stories is part of that work, but so is helping people evaluate the information they encounter. “The problem that we’re trying to sol- solve is making space for the whole reader in the conversation around trustworthy news and journalism,” Washington said.

From media literacy to reporting

 15 West’s free workshops create an entry point for residents with or without journalism experience. Usually offered virtually, the initial series consisted of three workshops that moved participants from understanding media to developing story ideas.

The first explored how media is constructed and how people can recognize misinformation and disinformation. Participants learned about verification and the differences among primary, secondary and tertiary sources.

The second introduced reporting fundamentals: who, what, when, where and why. It also covered interviewing, building relationships and developing stories grounded in integrity, fairness and balance.

The third addressed what happens when someone has an idea: where to pitch, how to shape a narrative and how to develop that idea toward publication.

Washington estimated that more than 200 residents had participated in the workshops. She said a summer partnership with City Bureau trained more than 100 residents, while one workshop attracted at least 170 registrations.

Those figures demonstrate interest, although Washington did not provide a specific example during the interview of a participant whose reporting produced a measurable community outcome.

Editorial oversight remains essential

For publishers, the central question is what happens after a resident identifies a possible story.

At 15 West, Washington works directly with contributors to define the assignment, establish its angle and identify credible sources. Contributors then contact sources and develop a working draft.

Washington reviews that draft for gaps and opportunities to report further. Student reporters help edit, gaining practical experience while contributing to a collaborative process.

Translation also enters the editorial workflow. Washington said the newsroom translates into Spanish, Arabic and Korean, and its translation editor helps consider how stories can reach more readers.

The process makes clear that community participation requires editorial capacity. Recruiting contributors does not eliminate the need to verify, edit and take responsibility for published work.

Accessibility starts before publication

Washington argues that accessibility should be built into newsroom practices from the beginning.

That means considering language, but also readers with dyslexia, low vision, blindness and other experiences that affect how they receive information. “I just think that accessibility is kind of like an afterthought or it’s a beat,” she said.

Her approach asks newsrooms to consider the whole reader throughout reporting and production. Washington said discussing accessibility openly also helps people feel more comfortable sharing their own experiences.

She sees similar potential in communities with limited local coverage. Residents understand their circumstances, she said, and giving them tools to navigate information can also encourage them to bring overlooked issues forward.

A practical starting point for publishers

15 West relies primarily on grants, with some subscription revenue. Washington hopes to expand subscriptions, memberships and other revenue sources, potentially including sponsored content.

She believes other publishers can replicate elements of the model, but cautions that training, editing and participation require resources.

For a small publisher considering an experiment, she recommends beginning with residents who already demonstrate commitment to their communities. “It’s the person that’s already showing up and that’s already aware of the deficits and opportunities within your community,” Washington said.

Looking ahead, she wants more free educational programs, additional library partnerships, expanded translation and a return of an American Sign Language video reporting fellowship. She also hopes to increase distribution through zines and limited print editions.

For publishers, the practical lesson is to pair that existing community interest with training, editorial guidance and a realistic plan to pay for the work.