The Launch of VaViews
Surveys tell us readers are sharply divided about the role of commentary in VaNews. Some value the primary emphasis on original news reporting. Others appreciate the news, but want more commentary beyond newspaper editorials and print-edition op-eds.
The nonpartisan Virginia Public Access Project has come up with what we believe is a reasonable compromise. We will retain VaNews’ primary focus on original news reporting. We’re adding a weekly collection of opinion and commentary. We call it VaViews.
With VaViews, you’ll find the same independent, thoughtful approach that you’ve come to expect from VPAP during its 23-year history. Our goal is to provide a sampling of commentary from across the political spectrum. Be prepared to encounter views that differ from your own. Our goal is not to persuade, but to make people aware of the diversity of perspectives throughout the Commonwealth.
Both VaNews and VaViews will be free of charge, which is part of our commitment as a nonprofit charitable organization.
Thank you for reading VaNews — and our new product, VaViews. As always, we welcome your feedback at vaviews@vpap.org.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q: Why has VPAP decided to publish a weekly collection of commentary?
A: The decision grew out of a strategic plan the VPAP Board of Directors adopted last December. The Board set a goal to provide more online tools that inform, engage and empower voters. A second was to find ways to attract VaNews subscribers, who now number more than 14,000. We decided a weekly aggregation of commentary could advance both goals.
Q. For years, VaNews has focused on news aggregating and has resisted calls for more commentary. What changed?
A: With news, our policy is to include ALL articles that fit our criteria for original news reporting. But with commentary (which is everywhere), we struggled to find workable guidelines. Which voices should we include and which should we exclude? Our stop-gap answer had been to say VaNews would include only op-eds that appear in the print edition of the state's 10 largest newspapers.
Q: How will you decide what commentary will appear in VaViews?
A: VaViews will provide thoughtful commentary about Virginia politics from a variety of viewpoints and array of sources. Our goal is not to persuade, but to make people aware of the diversity of perspectives throughout the Commonwealth. The commentary will be grouped by issue, and we will endeavor to include voices from an array of ideological perspectives. We will value reason and subject matter expertise over the just-add-water outrage that thrives on social media. In short, staff will select commentary that we believe will both interest our readers and inform public policy debate.
Q: Who will get VaViews?
A: For the next three weekends, all VaNews subscribers will receive the commentary by email. Starting in August, VaViews will become “bonus content,” available to readers who participate in a new referral system and sign up at least two friends for free VaNews subscriptions. (Weekly commentary also will be distributed to readers who have made a voluntary contribution to support our work.)
Q: Will VaViews be published on vpap.org?
A: No. For now, the only way to receive VaViews is by email. And, starting in August, the only people who receive it will be those who participate in the referral program or make a tax-deductible donation to VPAP.
Q: Can I submit commentary for consideration?
A: Yes, we welcome any suggestions. We will consider any commentary that is published on a distinct URL from a blog or other online site. Email suggestions to vaviews@vpap.org.
July 12, 2020
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