What is Public Newsroom?

The Public Newsroom is a workshop series. Our goal is to create an open space where anyone can gather to discuss local issues, share resources and knowledge, and meet new people. Each workshop is designed around a specific topic that addresses information needs in our communities, providing resources and a welcoming space for discussion.

How does it work?

Each Public Newsroom has a guest speaker that shares information about the selected topic and helps moderate the discussion. Attendees are encouraged to participate, and often a group activity will be planned to help promote conversation and dialogue. 

What kind of topics do you discuss?

Past Public Newsroom workshop topics have included: 

• Building Brave Spaces for Communities 

• Art as a Community Dialogue

• How Open is Your Government?

• Protecting Voters Rights During COVID-19

Is Public Newsroom still running despite COVID-19?

Yes! Since COVID-19, we’ve made our workshops virtual. We know virtual spaces can be challenging, but we do our best to bring the same energy as our in-person workshops. We also provide closed captioning in order to make it as accessible as possible. 

How often is Public Newsroom held?

Public Newsroom is held the last Thursday of every month. 

Is it free?

Yes! All Public Newsroom workshops are free and open to the public. It’s one of the ways we continue our vision of equipping people with the tools and knowledge they need to effect change in their communities.

Where do I register?

To find out about upcoming workshops, you can check this page, join the Public Newsroom Facebook group, or sign up for our newsletter.

Who is City Bureau?

Founded in 2015, City Bureau is a nonprofit civic journalism lab based on the South Side of Chicago. We bring journalists and communities together in a collaborative spirit to produce media that is impactful, equitable and responsive to the public.