The challenge
Can local journalism strengthen connection and well-being in a neighborhood?
Stadsreporters trains local residents to create documentaries about their neighborhoods, focusing on people and initiatives that bring communities together. We investigated whether this storytelling practice could create wider social impact.
My role
Project lead · Researcher · Data analyst
The approach
We combined interviews, surveys and film screenings with systems analysis and visual storytelling. We developed a systems map to make the relationships between local journalism, participation and social connection visible, and used comics to communicate the lived experiences behind the research.
The outcome
The research showed improved mental well-being among the reporters and increased connection and involvement among residents. The documentaries helped people discover each other, recognize positive initiatives and strengthen a sense of belonging and pride in their neighborhood.
The findings were shared through a research publication (read here in Dutch →) and public media, including AT5 (watch here →).
The research won the 3rd prize of Research of the Year at the Amsterdam University of Applied Science.
What citizens say
“Stadsreporters are actively involved in the neighborhood. They ask questions, they learn things. And through that search, people become connected.”
“There is so much negative news everywhere. We want to look for the positive things and bring them forward: the people, places and initiatives that make our neighborhoods come alive.”
