NHPR Presents: Justice & Journalism

Justice and Journalism: The Rise of the Civic Documenter

 

What happens when ordinary people become witnesses to history in real time?

 

On Thurs., June 18, New Hampshire Public Radio and the Warren B. Rudman Center for Justice, Leadership & Public Service at the UNH Franklin Pierce School of Law will host a live conversation at BNH Stage exploring how journalism is evolving in the digital age.

 

As smartphones and social media make it possible for anyone to document events as they happen, everyday people are becoming an increasingly important part of the public information ecosystem. From local government meetings to major enforcement actions, these civic documenters are expanding the reach of public oversight and helping communities better understand what’s happening around them.

 

The evening will feature Jasmine Garsd of NPR, who brings a powerful perspective from her recent reporting on the ground in Minneapolis covering federal immigration raids. Her work captured the intensity of those moments through the eyes of the community, illustrating the impact of real-time witnessing.

Also joining the discussion to highlight local efforts is Melanie Plenda, Director of the Granite State News Collaborative. Plenda will share insights into the Collaborative’s vital partnership with the Nackey S. Loeb School of Communications, which recently expanded its training program to include high school students in its Spring 2026 cohort.

 

Throughout the night, the panel will grapple with the complex questions defining this new era:

Attendees will have the unique opportunity to participate in a live audience Q&A during the recording of the NHPR radio broadcast to voice their own questions.

Following the program, guests are invited to stay for a meet-and-greet with the speakers and panelists. Doors open at 6:00 p.m., with the show beginning promptly at 7:00 p.m. Join us to explore how communities are helping shape the future of journalism and public trust.