Meet the newsmakers: KUOW reporters are coming to your community
In light of the current public health concerns related to the spread of the COVID-19 virus, KUOW has chosen to cancel all March and April in-person events.
Please stay tuned as we re-schedule the Meet The Newsmakers events in May and beyond.
Get a behind-the-headlines glimpse into our most fascinating stories while sharing your feedback and story ideas with KUOW journalists.
Is the news exhausting you? Have you ever wondered how reporters gain the access and trust needed to enter an encampment site? Is there something scandalous or miraculous going on in your child's school that the media should know about?
Join us! Because our reporting starts with listening.
In order for us to accurately report on our region, we need to have two-way conversations with the people who are at the heart of stories we're sharing. This is why KUOW is hosting a series of free public talks with our reporters at libraries across our region, and the University Book Store in the university district.
This series is an opportunity to share what’s happening in your neighborhood and what issues you want covered in the news. We want to connect directly with community members and learn about the issues that matter to you.
All engagements are free, all-ages, and open to the public.
At each talk, a KUOW journalist will share a glimpse behind-the-scenes of stories they're working on, and then facilitate a conversation on how these topics are impacting you and your community. You'll be able to ask questions and offer your insights, feedback, and story ideas.
Do you have questions or feedback about this series? Would you like to bring our reporters to your community group or classroom for free presentations? Reach out to us at engage@KUOW.org.
For the most up-to-date information about this series, sign up for our KUOW Conversations newsletter and follow our Community Engagement team on Twitter @KUOWengage.
Upcoming engagements
6 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 6, 2020
"Behind the Scenes: KUOW’s The Record and Week In Review"
WHERE: University Book Store (4326 University Way, N.E. 98105)
WHO: Host of KUOW’s The Record and Week In Review, Bill Radke
Putting together a daily news show is not an easy task. In addition to the host, it takes a committed team of producers who have their ear to the ground on the important issues facing our region each day. In this talk, attendees will have a discussion with the host of KUOW’s The Record and Week In Review, Bill Radke, on how these shows are put together, and why. Bill will also answer your questions, and take your feedback about these two shows.
6 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 11, 2020
"Covering the world as it is: How to stay informed in a news-fatigued world"
WHERE: University Book Store (4326 University Way, N.E. 98105)
WHO: KUOW’s Chief Content Officer, Jennifer Strachan.
The news can sometimes be exhausting -- impeachment, war, 1,300 candidates running for president. And it’s hard to know what news to trust. In this talk, KUOW’s Chief Content Officer, Jennifer Strachan, will discuss how to transcend this overwhelming news cycle, and listen to your ideas about what KUOW should focus on next.
3:30 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2020. *POSTPONED*
Please check back later for a makeup date.
"The 94 Decisions That Go Into Making a Podcast"
WHERE: Woodmont branch library (26809 Pacific Hwy S, 98198)
WHO: SoundQs reporter and Finding Fixes podcast host and producer Anna Boiko-Weyrauch
TALK DESCRIPTION: Every piece of audio journalism you hear, on the radio or in a podcast, doesn’t spring from the minds of its creators fully-formed. Instead, it’s the result of a series of very small, and very many decisions (94 is just an estimate.) It’s the result of countless conversations and questions, such as who should we talk to? What should we ask? What should we focus on? What’s the best way to tell this story?
In this talk, KUOW’s Anna Boiko-Weyrauch walks through the creation of one podcast episode, starting with the very first decision through the final production.
7 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 13, 2020
"Youth and Guns"
WHERE: Bothell Public Library (18215 98th Avenue NE, 98011)
WHO: Justice and public health reporter Patricia Murphy along with youth advocate Will Jimerson
TALK DESCRIPTION: Nearly 40% of the 246 people shot in King County in 2018 were under the age of 25. If the county is truly committed to ending youth incarceration, then it needs to reach these young people before they pick up a firearm.
KUOW's public health and justice reporter Patricia Murphy and youth advocate Will Jimerson will talk about how young people perceive guns and violence. They'll also discuss the successes and roadblocks to the county’s plans to address the issues of youth violence and involvement in the criminal justice system. Your ideas and feedback are encouraged on this important issue.
6 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 20, 2020
"Investigating Public Education"
WHERE: University Book Store (4326 University Way, N.E. 98105)
WHO: KUOW’s education reporter Ann Dornfeld
TALK DESCRIPTION: KUOW education reporter Ann Dornfeld has spent the last nine years telling stories of success and failure in Seattle Public Schools. Her work has garnered national investigative and data reporting awards. In this talk, she explains how she takes an investigative story from concept to completion. She’ll also seek your ideas for untold stories and untapped sources.
2 p.m., Sunday, Feb. 23, 2020
"Getting Out of Our Corners: Seeking Dialogue in an Age of Tribalism"
WHERE: Kent Public Library (212 2nd Ave N, 98032)
WHO: Politics reporter Amy Radil
TALK DESCRIPTION: These days people don’t just have conflicting opinions, they have entirely different sources of information.
KUOW's political reporter-Amy Radil will lead the audience in a conversation on the editorial process, how journalists decide what to cover, and whether just watching a few minutes of the “opposing” TV network is helpful for building understanding. She’ll also celebrate some current examples of thoughtful journalism and storytelling. Audience participation and brainstorming is welcome!
Noon, Saturday, Feb. 29, 2020
"The 94 Decisions That Go Into Making a Podcast"
WHERE: Bellevue Library (1111 110th Ave NE, Bellevue, WA 98004)
WHO: SoundQs reporter and Finding Fixes podcast host and producer Anna Boiko-Weyrauch
TALK DESCRIPTION: Every piece of audio journalism you hear, on the radio or in a podcast, doesn’t spring from the minds of its creators fully-formed. Instead, it’s the result of a series of very small, and very many decisions (94 is just an estimate.) It’s the result of countless conversations and questions, such as who should we talk to? What should we ask? What should we focus on? What’s the best way to tell this story?
In this talk, KUOW’s Anna Boiko-Weyrauch walks through the creation of one podcast episode, starting with the very first decision through the final production.
6 p.m., Monday, March 2, 2020
"What's Your Place in America: Immigration and Identity in 2020"
WHERE: University Book Store (4326 University Way, N.E. 98105)
WHO: Immigration reporter Esmy Jimenez
TALK DESCRIPTION: Born in Mexico and raised in rural Washington, Esmy Jimenez is a bilingual reporter covering immigrant communities in the Puget Sound and beyond.
Jimenez will share the surprises and challenges she’s discovered while telling immigration stories from the inside out while navigating our current political climate. Your ideas and feedback are encouraged on these important issues.
6 p.m., Monday, March 9, 2020 *CANCELLED*
"News Blues With KUOW President and General Manager, Caryn Mathes"
WHERE: University Book Store (4326 University Way, N.E. 98105)
WHO: KUOW President and General Manager Caryn Mathes
TALK DESCRIPTION: The news media have been upended by changes in digital transmission, federal regulation along with political headwinds and economic challenges. How did we get here? How can news continue to serve its vital role in our democracy?
KUOW President and General Manager Caryn Mathes will offer perspective from her long career in public broadcasting, including as an NPR Board Member. She will also seek your input on the state of journalism today.
7 p.m., Tuesday, March 10, 2020 *CANCELLED*
"Getting Out of Our Corners: Seeking Dialogue in an Age of Tribalism"
WHERE: Richmond Beach Library (19601 21st Avenue NW, 98177)
WHO: Politics reporter, Amy Radil
TALK DESCRIPTION: These days people don’t just have conflicting opinions, they have entirely different sources of information.
KUOW's political reporter-Amy Radil will lead the audience in a conversation on the editorial process, how journalists decide what to cover, and whether just watching a few minutes of the “opposing” TV network is helpful for building understanding. She’ll also celebrate some current examples of thoughtful journalism and storytelling. Audience participation and brainstorming is welcome!
6 p.m., Tuesday, March 17, 2020 *CANCELLED*
"Reporting on Homelessness in Seattle/King County"
WHERE: University Book Store (4326 University Way, N.E. 98105)
WHO: Homelessness reporter, Kate Walters
TALK DESCRIPTION: Homelessness is one of the biggest issues faced in Seattle and King County. On any given night there are more than 11,000 people experiencing homelessness county-wide. This is a complicated issue that evokes strong emotions from people across the region.
KUOW's homelessness reporter Kate Walters speaks about the challenges that come with reporting on this topic, what we know and what we don’t, and how she personally approaches the process of reporting on this beat. Come share what stories you're most interested in hearing, and what perspectives, if any, are missing.
6 p.m., Monday, March 23, 2020 *CANCELLED*
"Should political reporters ditch objectivity in the age of Trump?"
WHERE: University Book Store (4326 University Way, N.E. 98105)
WHO: Politics and Tech reporter, David Hyde
TALK DESCRIPTION: In the age of Trump, the American media landscape is increasingly partisan. More reporters and news outlets are explicitly taking sides. And some journalism professors these days celebrate the trend, arguing “objective reporting” is a pernicious myth.
KUOW reporter David Hyde, who is currently covering the 2020 Democratic primary, will share some of his recent reporting experiences, as well as negative feedback from listeners. Everyone has biases, he argues. Objectivity is a myth. But the pursuit of objectivity in political reporting is still worthwhile. We welcome your feedback on the political coverage that has been most effective for you.
7 p.m., Monday, March 30, 2020 *CANCELLED*
"Getting Out of Our Corners: Seeking Dialogue in an Age of Tribalism"
WHERE: Vashon Island Library (17210 Vashon Hwy SW, 98070)
WHO: Politics reporter Amy Radil
TALK DESCRIPTION: These days people don’t just have conflicting opinions. They have entirely different sources of information.
KUOW's political reporter-Amy Radil will lead the audience in a conversation on the editorial process, how journalists decide what to cover, and whether just watching a few minutes of the “opposing” TV network is helpful for building understanding. She’ll also celebrate some current examples of thoughtful journalism and storytelling. Audience participation and brainstorming welcome!
6 p.m., Monday, March 30, 2020 *CANCELLED*
"Looking back at Seattle’s creative community: Three decades covering the arts in the Pacific Northwest"
WHERE: University Book Store (4326 University Way, N.E. 98105)
WHO: Arts and culture reporter Marcie Sillman
TALK DESCRIPTION: Marcie Sillman has been covering arts and culture in the Pacific Northwest since 1985. In 2019 she was recognized for contributions with a Mayor’s Arts Award. From the rise of Nirvana, Soundgarden, and Pearl Jam to the demise of the grungy practice studios that helped give a name to their music, Marcie has watched the region grow and evolve for more than 30 years.
Marcie will look back at some of the major themes, the area’s cultural highlights and point ahead to some of the challenges that will face local artists and arts groups in the decade ahead.
6 p.m., Tuesday, April 7, 2020 *CANCELLED*
"Why should public radio stations make podcasts?"
WHERE: University Book Store (4326 University Way, N.E. 98105)
WHO: KUOW Podcast Producer Caroline Gomez
While public radio enjoys a loyal fan base, there are a series of challenges it faces for a resilient future. The public radio audience is generally older and white and speaks to a general news-consuming audience. Podcasts offer avenues for inventive storytelling and as places to develop meaningful connections with specific audiences.
KUOW podcast producer, Caroline Chamberlain Gomez will share her insights working on the podcasts Second Wave and Battle Tactics For Your Sexist Workplace, as well as take your questions and concerns about this important audio medium.
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Kristin Leong More stories from Kristin Leong »
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Zaki Barak Hamid
Director of Community Engagement
Zaki leads the Community Engagement department, whose main goal is to facilitate connections between the various communities of the Puget Sound area and the content division, so that KUOW's news coverage is more holistic and informed by listeners' needs. His favorite programs include initiatives that facilitate understanding between people who might disagree with each other, such as StoryCorp's One Small Step.
More stories from Zaki Barak Hamid »
