An essential element of a functioning democracy is an informed electorate.  As Patrick Henry said - "The liberties of a people never were, nor ever will be, secure, when the transactions of their rulers may be concealed from them."  The consolidation of media outlets has reduced the resources available to local media vehicles.  Without these local media resources, coverage can be deficient of local government meetings and local issues.

The Democracy Watch program offered at FGCU seeks to offset this trend.  Democracy Watch is a course offered within the Journalism Department of FGCU.  The course is selective in providing public affairs journalism to ten students.  These students are selected to be WGCU fellows who work at FGCU.  These experiences of course training and job experience have led to rewarding professional assignments for Democracy Watch graduates.  Here about the best practices in this good news story.  Dayna Harpster and two students who participated in the program will share their stories.

Recording Link:  Democracy Watch- How FGCU Trains Future Journalists to Protect Democracy, February 3rd, 2024