Project information sheet
Small media, big stories: A comparative analysis of the role of community-focused media in a democracy

 You are invited to be in a research study of the role of community journalists in different countries. You were selected as a possible participant because you are seen as someone whose journalism represents a model of excellence in your country. Your participation will help us to gain a greater understanding of the different ways journalists work in different cultures and to share your knowledge with fellow journalists worldwide.

We ask that you read this form and ask any questions you may have before agreeing to be in the study.

This study is being conducted by: John Hatcher, assistant professor of journalism, Department of Writing Studies, Duluth, Minn.

Background Information
As a scholar of community journalism in the United States, I have conducted research studying how American newspaper journalists at smaller media outlets have done work that has gained them recognition as the best in their field. From this, we have learned what qualities these journalists share and gained insight into how better practice journalism in a democracy. The goal is to now expand this research to other countries, seeking to learn how journalism is defined and practiced in different cultural settings.

The purpose of this study is: To talk with journalists in different cultures about how they view their work and its importance in their society.

Procedures
If you agree to be in this study, we would ask you to do the following things: Agree to talk with the researcher in a series of interviews that would be recorded with both audio and video. You might also agree to allow the researcher observe you as you do your work.

Risks and Benefits of being in the Study
The benefit of this research is that you will be helping us to understand the exemplary efforts of journalists at community news organizations in your country.  This information should help us to show other journalists, educators and the general public what can be achieved by the efforts of dedicated individuals.

The risks to you of participating in this study involve the same risks you face in your job as a working journalist that include issues such as libel. Allowing you to review the finished product before publication will minimize these risks. If you no longer wish to continue, you have the right to withdraw from the study, without penalty, at any time.

Contacts and Questions: The researcher conducting this study is: John Hatcher. You may ask any questions you have now. If you have questions later, you are encouraged to contact me at the University of Minnesota Duluth, 218 464 0864,  jhatcher@d.umn.edu.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding this study and would like to talk to someone other than the researcher(s), you are encouraged to contact the Research Subjects? Advocate Line, D528 Mayo, 420 Delaware St. Southeast, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455; (612) 625-1650.  You will be given a copy of this information to keep for your records.