Black Belt News Network hosts community listening session to hear from readers

Black Belt News Network invited readers and community members to share their thoughts about local news and community issues during a Community Listening Session held Thursday night at Selma Social.

The event, designed as a conversation, brought together residents to discuss how they get information, what issues matter most to them and how the local newsroom can better reflect the voices of the community.

“Tonight isn’t about presenting at you – it’s about listening to what you have to say about our community and what we need to cover for you,” Publisher Cindy Fisher said. “This is your story, your voice and your community.”

Residents who attended included Selma Mayor Johnny Moss III and several city department heads who provided information to some questions posed and offered their own suggestions for improving news coverage.

The session was built around results from a reader survey conducted by the Black Belt News Network over the last six months. Participants discussed how information travels within the Black Belt and what residents want to see more of in local coverage.

One key takeaway from the survey was that personal relationships remain the most important way news spreads in the community. Conversations with friends, neighbors and family members were cited as the primary source of information for many residents. Social media – particularly Facebook – was also identified as a major way people share and receive news, though organizers noted it often works alongside word-of-mouth communication rather than replacing it.

Survey results also showed that residents want more than basic headlines. Participants said they want coverage that explains how decisions made by local leaders affect daily life in their communities.

“Our readers want to know what’s happening, what affects your daily lives, and what decisions are being made,” Fisher said.

Another key takeaway is how the community wants to know what events are happening in their cities. The Black Belt News Network has a robust online calendar that helps residents decide what to do and – in response to the reader survey – added a bright green button that says “Things to do” to the top of the website guiding readers to the calendar. The community can add their events to the calendar for free.

The discussion also highlighted several key issues that respondents said deserve greater attention in local reporting. Among the most frequently mentioned concerns were job opportunities, crime and public safety, housing issues and programs for young people.

Residents also expressed a desire for more transparency and accountability in local government.

Survey responses shared during the meeting included comments calling for deeper reporting on public spending and clearer communication from public officials.

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“I would like a team of reporters to do a deep dive into how tax dollars are spent,” one respondent wrote.

Others pointed to the need for more accessible community information, with one participant saying there is “no good resource to find community information,” while another noted the importance of creating more opportunities for youth through recreation, clubs and other activities.

Readers at the meeting said they want more positive stories told about people who may not be in the headlines every day. They also recommended more robust sports coverage about high school and even little league teams.

Some respondents expressed frustration with negative perceptions of the region.

“People think because the county is poor that nothing positive is going on here,” one response said.

Fisher said the listening session was meant to be the beginning of an ongoing conversation between the newsroom and the communities it serves.

Among the ideas discussed for future engagement were regularly scheduled town hall-style events where residents could share story ideas and concerns, a website or email address where community members could submit news tips and event information, and outreach efforts that would bring journalists into the community for speaking events or educational opportunities.

Participants also expressed interest in becoming more involved in shaping local journalism by sharing stories, opinions and community updates.

Black Belt News Network leaders said the feedback gathered during the session will help guide future reporting and community engagement efforts.

“The most important part of tonight isn’t on these slides,” Fisher said. “It’s what you say next.”

The survey will remain open to gather your continuing thoughts about coverage in the Black Belt. Take the survey here.