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Documenters: Training Citizen Journalists to Cover Local Government

Leah Wambui Keinama, Director of Civic Journalism at Nebraska Journalism Trust, outlines how everyday citizens can help close governance gaps by reporting on hidden public meetings in this episode of Consider This.

  • published: 2025/10/20
  • contact: Office of Strategic Marketing and Communications
  • email: unonews@unomaha.edu
Blurred background of a community library event showcases an engaging reading session with attendees focused on the speaker

An audience gathers for a community reading event inside a cozy library, listening attentively as a speaker presents from the podium. Photo: Shutterstock.

In this episode: Guest Leah Wambui Keinama describes how the Nebraska Journalism Trust is empowering citizens to become “documenters” by observing and reporting on often-overlooked local government board meetings. She walks viewers through how the program works from training to publishing, offering a practical path for individuals to help illuminate decision-making that usually happens behind closed doors.

📺 Watch the episode: Season 29, Episode 2 – Documenters

💡 Why it matters: Local governance decisions affect communities in tangible ways, yet these meetings often go underreported. By equipping Nebraskans with the training and resources to document what’s happening locally, this program strengthens transparency, accountability, and civic engagement across the state.

🎞️ About Consider This: Consider This is a weekly public affairs program on Nebraska Public Media, now in its 29th season. Episodes are recorded at UNO’s television studio as part of a production class led by Michael Pacholski, and produced by students from UNO’s School of Communication. Hosted by Cathy Wyatt, the series features expert guests discussing timely issues to help Nebraskans better understand the forces shaping their world.

About the University of Nebraska at Omaha

Located in one of America’s best cities to live, work and learn, the University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) is Nebraska’s premier metropolitan university. With more than 15,000 students enrolled in 200-plus programs of study, UNO is recognized nationally for its online education, graduate education, military friendliness and community engagement efforts. Founded in 1908, UNO has served learners of all backgrounds for more than 100 years and is dedicated to another century of excellence both in the classroom and in the community.

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