GOOD STUFF – AT 12:33 P.M. ET:   We're always happy to alert readers to good things in which they can participate.  I recently received an e-mail from a chap named Mike Caputo, who's Public Insight Network Senior Analyst for American Public Media in Minnesota.  You may have read about his efforts recently at Power Line.

I subsequently had a conversation with Mr. Caputo, and was impressed with the work he and his organization are doing.  They provide a means by which members of the electorate can have their voices heard in the mainstream media, something of particular interest to conservatives.  Let me quote directly from Mr. Caputo's e-mail:

American Public Media (which runs Minnesota Public Radio) operates the Public Insight Network, which works with news organizations around the country <http://www.pinsight.org/>  to add context and relevance to issues like the presidential race. This network has more than 100,000 citizens who have agreed to be on-the-ground sources for those newsrooms. It could always use more.
 
In fact, we recognize the need to have more Republican and conservative voices that inform the news partners in this network, especially with the Republican nomination up for grabs. So we are making a specific plea for more people who describe themselves politically as Republican or conservative.

And that’s where Urgent Agenda comes in. Would you consider helping to make a link between your readers and this network?
 
We have an easy way to do this. The Public Insight Network has a short survey your readers could take. It’s aimed at putting voters’ stories first (rather than candidates’) and helping reporters understand more about what’s motivating and inspiring conservative voters this year. Here’s the link:
 
Assess the GOP presidential field ... and tell us what stories from your life should they know <http://www.publicinsightnetwork.org/form/apm/7cbbfe34279b/gop-voters-who-are-your-top-candidates-at-the-moment> .
 
This isn’t a poll. Instead, it’s designed to help journalists see what motivates and mobilizes citizens. Some people who respond could hear from a reporter wanting to learn more. Trends your readers identify will become the basis for more citizen-centered reporting in this campaign season.

COMMENT:  This is legit, and you might consider participating.  Every voice heard is important.   It is critical that reporters and editors hear from as many voters as possible, and actually get to know the electorate.

The late Charles Kuralt, who did the "On the Road" series for CBS, once told me that what impressed him most in all his travels around the U.S. was how well informed Americans are.  He was correct.  Americans are well informed, and they do listen.  To prove that, notice how tracking polls change instantly as soon as anything significant happens in a political campaign.  Well informed citizens should, in turn, inform the media, which can use citizen help.

September 7, 2011