Community Invited to Participate in University of Oregon Listening Sessions on Local News & Civic Health
Lincoln County residents are invited to participate in upcoming community listening sessions hosted by the University of Oregon’s Agora Journalism Center as part of its study on how news and information circulate throughout Lincoln County.
Earlier this winter, more than 800 residents completed a countywide survey examining how people access, trust, and share local information — the largest participation the University has seen in similar community studies across Oregon. The next phase of the project invites residents to gather in person to reflect on early findings and discuss how local journalism and public communication impact civic health.
Two listening sessions will be held:
Newport Listening Session (link)
Saturday, February 28
12:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Atonement Lutheran Church
Lincoln City Listening Session (link)
Sunday, March 1
12:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Lincoln City Cultural Center
The sessions are designed as facilitated conversations — not debates — where residents can share experiences, concerns, and ideas about how local information flows and how it can be strengthened moving forward.
County Commissioner Casey Miller encourages residents to attend and participate.
“Strong, accurate, and trusted local information is foundational to civic health,” said Commissioner Miller. “Whether information comes from media, social platforms, word of mouth, or government, our community benefits when it is clear, factual, and transparent.”
Miller also noted that the conversation around information health includes government communications. “At this time, Lincoln County does not have a uniform policy ensuring that major policy communications released under the name of the County have been reviewed and confirmed by the entire Board of Commissioners,”
Miller said. “For significant policy decisions, a simple public confirmation process — such as a clearly noticed agenda item confirming the Board’s collective position — could improve clarity and strengthen public trust.”
He emphasized that not all routine communications require this level of review, but that major policy decisions benefit from clear confirmation of the governing body’s shared stance.
The University of Oregon listening sessions provide an opportunity for residents to discuss these broader civic-information issues and help shape recommendations moving forward.
Residents are encouraged to attend one session at the location most convenient to them. For additional information and registration details, residents may visit the University of Oregon Agora Journalism Center website or Eventbrite listings for the sessions.