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Many of our communities are rural and agricultural. This beat would amplify rural voices and cover farming, ranching, land use, and rural economies. Stories might include water rights and drought impact on agriculture, ranching heritage, the realities of rural healthcare and education, and more. Strengthening rural coverage ensures we’re truly a regional news source that serves all communities, not just the towns and cities.
Deep-dive reporting on local education – from K-12 school quality and funding, to higher education and workforce training. An education reporter could investigate school board decisions, curriculum changes, teacher shortages, student achievement gaps, and how state policies impact our local schools. Education is a top priority for many families and critical to the region’s future, yet in-depth education journalism is often lacking due to limited resources.
Coverage focusing on Native American communities (such as the Navajo Nation, Ute Mountain Ute, Southern Ute, and other tribes in the Four Corners). A reporter on this beat would report on tribal government, culture, economic development, and issues affecting Indigenous residents – voices that are too often underrepresented in mainstream media. Building trust and consistent coverage in tribal communities is crucial to a complete regional news report.
In-depth coverage of the oil, gas, mining and energy industries in the Four Corners, examining their economic impact, environmental consequences, and regulatory oversight. This reporter would investigate issues like drilling on public lands, renewable energy initiatives, and hold industry and government accountable for safety and environmental standards. (Energy development is vital to our region’s economy but also raises complex issues that require sustained, investigative reporting.)
Reporting on the tech sector, innovation, and infrastructure in our region. This might cover everything from efforts to expand rural broadband and technology education, to profiling local startups or tech initiatives addressing community problems. Highlighting tech and innovation can show pathways to economic diversification and connect our community to broader trends.
Storytelling around public lands, outdoor recreation economy, water resources, and conservation. This beat would cover everything from wilderness management, trail and park issues, wildlife, to the booming outdoor recreation industry. Given our region’s natural beauty and outdoor culture, dedicated reporting can highlight both the opportunities and challenges (such as balancing tourism with environmental stewardship).
