One of the quieter truths about journalism is that, despite the stereotype of relentless competition between newsrooms, some of our best work depends on collaboration.
That was on my mind this week after our friends at Bolts — a fellow nonprofit newsroom that covers the nuts and bolts of political power and change — offered us the opportunity to co-publish a deeply reported story examining growing backlash to AI-powered Flock surveillance cameras across Wisconsin.
Bolts editor Daniel Nichanian and I have long discussed ways our organizations might work together, considering how our missions overlap. Both newsrooms aim to help people better understand the systems and decisions shaping their lives. So when Daniel asked about our interest in the story, the answer was obvious: absolutely.
The story reported by Pascal Sabino was strong. We offered a few minor suggestions, shared a photo from our archives and published the piece on Friday with two added photos from WPR photojournalist Angela Major — bringing the reporting to Wisconsin Watch audiences. Early engagement suggests the story is resonating.
Foes of AI surveillance get wins in Wisconsin. But they fear they’re playing Whack-A-Mole.
Privacy activists are celebrating Dane County’s decision to end the use of Flock cameras while also calling for protections that can stop the “revolving door of surveillance companies.”
What struck me most is how ordinary this kind of partnership has become in nonprofit journalism and even among some for-profits.
In May alone, Wisconsin Watch collaborated with numerous newsrooms. Isthmus devoted space in its print edition to publish our reporting on preventing deadly falls among older adults. We republished key breaking news coverage from WPR on budget negotiations at the Capitol, freeing our own reporters to dig into the political dynamics behind the collapse of the deal. We also published multiple stories from our partners at Votebeat, including important reporting on renewed Trump administration scrutiny of Wisconsin’s 2020 election administration that has created confusion and fear for voters and election officials.
At the same time, local and statewide outlets across Wisconsin republished original Wisconsin Watch reporting for their own audiences.
Every collaboration works a little differently. Sometimes it means sharing reporting resources. Sometimes it means sharing expertise or audience reach. But the biggest beneficiary is always the public. These partnerships give readers more vetted, deeply reported information that helps communities stay strong, informed and connected.
And for that, I am grateful.
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