Join the Public Insight Network

Technology amazes me. While I agree with Neil Postman that we need to keep in mind that technology does have its faults, we cannot deny the benefits technology brings to our lives.

One benefit I enjoy is the ability to communicate with others, including both people I already know and new “friends” met through social media platforms like Twitter. The ability to blog has enabled me to find a new audience for my writing, which inspires me to keep writing and publishing. Blogs have also introduced me to many wonderful writers whom I most likely never would have found without the use of technology. I am able to learn in new ways I never thought possible because of technology.

Technology also allows us to “share what we know,” which brings me to my latest discovery: The Public Insight Network. This is a partnership between two St. Louis based media outlets: the St. Louis Beacon, an online independent publication, and KETC-TV, a PBS affiliate. According to the Beacon, the purpose of the network is sharing our knowledge. This network comes at a crucial time, as newsrooms continue to slash budgets and staff, with some newspapers closing up shop altogether. The shrinking we see on an almost daily basis in the media makes it harder and harder for many great stories to be told. That’s where the Public Insight Network comes into play.

It works like this: members join the PIN for free, stating their interests, areas of expertise and contact information. Requests are made, both via email or phone calls to members of the PIN, as well as on the Beacon web site, for information, knowledge and expertise on certain topics. You can choose to participate or simply ignore the request. If you participate, your information is sent to the editors, who pass it along to the reporters working on the story. If the reporter decides she wants to hear more, she contacts you. Your information is never used without your permission. Your privacy is protected. It’s that simple.

What I like about the PIN is it gives the audience a voice and a chance to participate in ways that traditional media do not. Reporters and editors are given access to stories and insight from people they might not have found without this network. My first journalism teacher, who ironically now writes for the Beacon, used to say that everyone has a story to tell. I agree with her observation, but my years in the news business lead me to take that observation one step further: everyone has a story to tell, but they don’t always have a way to tell it.

Now they do, thanks to the benefits of technology, which allowed the creation of the PIN. Take advantage of both and be heard. Don’t like the stories you see covered by the traditional media? Contact the PIN and tell them about it. Offer your alternatives, your insight, and your stories. Respond to their request and be an active citizen.

Readers in the St. Louis area, I ask you to consider joining the Public Insight Network. Those outside the St. Louis area, I ask you to consider forming your own Public Insight Network. The future of journalism depends on it.