ST. JOHN'S, N.L. — What’s the question?
How'd we, as a network of Atlantic Canadian journalists and newsrooms, do with our federal election coverage?
That's last week's news. Why do you want to know that?
Because we mobilized more than 60 journalists and 100 members of our team to cover the six-week campaign and election night Oct. 21. That resulted in more than 300 stories, including in-
depth reporting on dozens of issues, 110 candidate profiles and election night articles on every riding in our coverage area, plus follow-ups focused on what the result means to you. We put a lot effort into it — with more than 150,000 words written — but I'd like to know what you thought. Did we deliver what you needed throughout the campaign and after the polls closed on election night? What could we have done differently or better? How could we have helped you make a more informed decision?
Will my opinion really matter?
Yes, a lot. Your support and opinions are crucial to helping us provide journalism that’s valuable and useful to you. I'll include your feedback in a post-mortem on our election coverage. Your insights into what worked and didn't work will help shape how we approach elections and other events in the future. Besides discussing it with colleagues, I’ll compile what you said and post the document online with a follow-up column.
Where can I send the feedback?
To the email address below. You’ll receive an out-of-office reply until Nov. 4, because I’m away from my keyboard until then. But once I’m back in the saddle, I’ll start compiling the feedback. As I go through it, I may get back to you with a follow-up question to clarify a point or suggestion.
Is there anything else you’d like feedback on?
Well, since you asked … Canada is a country divided after the election results. So, I’d also like to know what you think is missing from the conversation. Is there context or information you need — and we could provide — that would help make sense of the position different provinces or politicians are taking? Or are you wondering how the divisions might affect you or your family? Beyond that, I welcome your feedback on anything we do.
Steve Bartlett is SaltWire Network’s senior managing editor. Reach him at [email protected].
