Creating pipeline of ‘deputies’ in pursuit of news coverage of communities

Connor Sheets, statewide investigative reporter for AL.com, will create, implement and evaluate techniques that recognize, train and engage members of Alabama communities in pitching stories and concepts they believe should be part of the mainstream news agenda. He will lead a series of targeted seminars intended to generate a base of news “deputies” to serve as a conduit for the ideas, experiences and concerns that affect them and their peers, ultimately resulting in richer and more varied coverage of the local communities.