Focus Areas

Civic Information

Considering the innovations and issues in how essential civic information, from government benefits to voting to public services, is conveyed and consumed.

Related Research Initiatives

Civic Health & Institutions Project (CHIP50), Public Interest Tech Lab, The Journalist’s Resource

The Shorenstein Center’s work on civic information explores the innovations and challenges in how crucial information about government benefits, voting, public health, and other essential public services is communicated and accessed by communities.We study the systems and strategies used to convey civic information, assessing the roles of media organizations, digital platforms, and public agencies in shaping public understanding and participation. We look at how the field of civic technology – including digital tools, apps, and online government platforms – serve as channels for reaching the public and facilitating engagement, as well as the effects of communication strategies and new media tools and messengers on the delivery and consumption of civic information.