Minneapolis Newspaper Navigates a Digital Era Amidst Immigration Controversies
Minneapolis has been in the limelight lately due to a series of significant events. The local journalists have not been overwhelmed by the situation but instead have been successful in sharing breaking news and insightful pieces. They've been particularly diligent with their coverage of immigration enforcement activities, leading to a shift in how news is presented.
At a time when many local newspapers are struggling due to the declining journalism industry, one Minneapolis paper has managed to maintain a steady staff under its billionaire owner since 2014. The paper has also committed to a digital transformation, preparing itself for the changing landscape of news.
Minneapolis: A City Rich in Journalism
It’s not just this local newspaper that stands out. Minneapolis boasts a strong tradition in journalism, especially in public radio and television. A digital newsroom that focuses on immigrant and diverse communities has also made waves with its coverage of immigration policies and public reactions.
Having local teams covering these stories provides unique benefits. For instance, one reporter was one of the first on the scene when a local ICU nurse was shot. Her deep understanding of the neighborhood and its residents was invaluable in piecing together the events.
Reporters with kids in school learned about immigration enforcement efforts targeting children's areas through conversations with friends. Thus, they could provide a more accurate and detailed account of the events.
Local Knowledge Proves Invaluable
According to the senior vice president and editor of the paper, the staff's intimate knowledge of Minnesota gives them an advantage over outsiders. Minneapolis has a long tradition of activism and strong community and neighborhood networks.
One reporter got a tip about a protest turning violent. Upon arriving, he managed to capture a powerful image of a protester being sprayed with a chemical irritant at close range - an image that stirred strong reactions from those who saw it.
Investigative Journalism Shines
One investigative story revealed information about a significant number of immigrants arrested in Minnesota. They found that the majority had felony convictions but had already gone through the court process and were no longer wanted by the police.
Another article detailed the health consequences of chemical irritants used by law enforcement. Despite questions about the specific chemicals used, the article shed light on the potential risks.
Digital Transformation in the Newsroom
With the rise in significant stories, the local newspaper has had to adapt its operations. Like some national outlets, they have restructured their staff to aggressively cover the stories through a live blog on their website, free for readers. They've also put more focus on video content, analyzing footage from different incidents, which few local newsrooms are capable of doing.
The paper's increased digital presence has led to a 50% increase in website traffic, increased paid subscriptions, and generous donations from across the country.
Adapting to the Changing News Landscape
Most of the newsroom staff contribute to the story, including the food and culture team and outdoor reporters. They've realized that there are no normal beats anymore.
With a former tech executive at the helm, the newspaper is undergoing a digital-first transition. This has resulted in a 20% staff turnover in two years. The paper also shut down its local printing plant, moving operations out of state.
Despite the challenges, the newspaper remains the largest newsroom in the Midwest, which is why they've been able to adapt to the changing landscape.
Even with the hardships, the public's positive response to the coverage has been uplifting for the staff. However, the constant coverage has taken a toll on everyone, with the residents and journalists alike expressing fatigue with the ongoing attention.