Hello everyone,
Thank you to those of you who joined the first Urban Solutions Journalism Academy two weeks ago. We discussed how to find a story, how to write it based on the four pillars of solutions journalism, how to pitch it to editors, and how to share it with the right audience. In two group exercises, we analysed a story based on the four pillars of solutions journalism and practised our pitching skills.
Here’s what participants said:
“This was super insightful and inspiring! I’m eager to get writing.”
“I was able to relate to a lot of what you said – which means maybe I am on the right path after all 🙂 – but was also able to take a few pointers for improvement. So, thank you.”
“Relevant and compelling. Quick to engage, kept me hooked throughout.”
I am now an accredited Solutions Journalism Trainer and can’t wait to teach the Academy again. I will offer different formats, such as:
- Finding and developing urban solutions stories
- Writing and structuring stories about cities (Solutions Journalism method)
- Pitching to editors
- Sharing stories and building an audience
- Pitching clinic to refine your pitch together
- How to become a (freelance) urban journalist
- Deep dives into urban topics
- One-on-one sessions to support your career as a journalist
I’d love to know which of these topics you’re most interested in. Click here to register your interest for the next edition and tell me what focus you’d like most for the next Urban Solutions Journalism Academy:
In the meantime, I thought I’d share the favourite resources of the Academy attendees:
- This is the Story Tracker at the Solutions Journalism Network, where you can find many inspiring stories.
- They also have Impact Stories that show the importance of Solutions Journalism.
- Here are some helpful insights on what editors are looking for in a pitch.
- You can filter this directory by journalist or outlet to find out where best to pitch.
And this is our definition of Urban Solutions Journalism:
“Urban Solutions Journalism is the practice of reporting on how cities are tackling their most pressing challenges — from climate adaptation to social inequality — with rigor and evidence. It highlights responses that work (and their limitations), offering insights that can inspire change in other urban contexts. The aim is not to promote but to provide constructive, critical stories that empower readers, policymakers, and communities to reimagine what’s possible in cities.”
Join me for future editions by registering your interest here – and remember: “Problems scream – solutions whisper”!
Over the next week, I’ll dive deeper into some of the lessons we covered at the Academy and will also share more urban solutions journalism. Remember that you can pitch me a story by filling out this contributors’ form. I look forward to hearing from you!
