St. Louis Public Radio studied how news organizations can most effectively engage niche groups in a community. Kelsey Proud, former digital innovation editor at the news organization, served as the project leader for the institutional fellowship.

To expand on the networks of the staff at St. Louis Public Radio, the fellowship project focused on outreach to people and organizations who demonstrated interest in one of four topic areas: the scientific aspects of health, education, arts or economic innovation. The fellowship team used social media channels and technology-based platforms, along with more traditional journalistic techniques, to identify influencers in each topic area and map their networks.

The organization’s goal was to go beyond connecting with “experts” or those frequently quoted in stories but to connect with those who contribute to conversations in smaller ways.

Proud is now the managing editor of digital at WAMU 88.5 in Washington, D.C.