Solutions Journalism Hub

Solutions Journalism Hub

Solutions Journalism at the University of Georgia

Telling the whole story in the South

That’s the mission and purpose of the Solutions Journalism Hub of the South at the University of Georgia—to support storytelling that covers both the problems and the actions being taken to address them.

We are committed to advancing education, research and industry collaboration and innovation to improve the understanding and reach of solutions journalism, with a special focus on the southern United States.

As one of four inaugural Solutions Journalism Hubs named in 2021, the University of Georgia’s hub is uniquely positioned in the South to help newsrooms, students and researchers tell the whole story of our region. There are many problems here that we need good reporting on, but we want to also train storytellers to cover the responses — as a way to not only balance the narrative but provide audiences a way to engage.

We accomplish this in three main areas: teaching, research and service.

“Solutions journalism is rigorous and compelling reporting about responses, which includes how that response has worked, or why it hasn’t; insight (what can be learned from a response and why it matters); evidence (providing data or qualitative results that indicate effectiveness); and limitations (placing responses in context).”

View ways Grady College faculty are teaching solutions journalism to students.

Teaching

Teaching

Our teaching supports collegiate solutions journalism education in the region, offering fellow educators another source for community. We incorporate solutions journalism in our own curriculum, especially in the capstone courses where students produce and publish solutions-oriented news. We are interested in hosting and facilitating pedagogical discussions and resource sharing in order to make solutions journalism a core element of journalism curriculum.

Photo: UGA Marketing and Communications

Research

Research

With an additional focus on solutions visual journalism, our research supports scholarship studying the production, presentation, distribution and reception of solutions journalism. We welcome graduate students who wish to incorporate this as part of their studies and thesis work, as well as outside scholars who are interested in collaboration.

Service

Service

Our service supports training and outreach for professional journalists and newsrooms. We serve as a home base for tools and techniques within the industry, and work to establish collaborative connections between newsrooms in the South doing this type of work. We often send our faculty and students out into the region to support solutions journalism initiatives and practices.

Solutions Journalism Primer

Additional Resources

Solutions Journalism Story Tracker

Solutions Journalism on Grady Newsource

Solutions Journalism in The Oglethorpe Echo

Directors

  • A headshot of Amanda Bright.

    Amanda Bright

    Senior Academic Professional; Director, Cox Institute Journalism Innovation Lab

    ABOUT Amanda Bright teaches capstone journalism and news literacy classes and digital design. She serves as the managing editor for Newsource’s digital products and is the instructor and assistant editor for The Oglethorpe […]

  • A headshot of Kyser Lough.

    Kyser Lough

    Associate Professor

    About: Dr. Lough studies visual communication and solutions journalism, with an emphasis on photojournalism. He teaches graduate-level visual communication method & theory, as well as undergraduate photography and journalism ethics […]

  • Headshot of Ralitsa Vassileva

    Ralitsa Vassileva

    Lecturer

    About: Ralitsa Vassileva teaches undergraduate Newsource and Multiplatform Newsroom Projects courses. Her Newsource class learns how to report, produce, and present newscasts that go live on local cable. Her Multiplatform […]

Contact Us

Questions about Solutions Journalism Hub?

Dr. Kyser Lough, Co-director, Research Lead
KyserL@uga.edu

Events

2025 DiGamma Kappa Banquet

DiGamma Kappa and the Georgia Association of Broadcasting presents its annual Distinguished Achievement Award in Broadcasting and Cable award and welcomes the newest DGK members during a lunch reception.  

Journalism and Mass Communication Career Day 2025

Career Day connects organizations with students seeking internships and full-time roles in digital, print and broadcast journalism, entertainment, film, production, advertising and public relations. In recent years, the event has drawn 30-40 employers and 450+ students. We welcome all Grady College students and employers interested in hiring them to join us, along with our college faculty and staff.

This event is presented in partnership with the Georgia Association of Broadcasters and the UGA Career Center.

Employers interested in attending: find all event details and the registration link here.

Students: pre-registration is not necessary to attend. See the list of employers attending and details on prep events here on Handshake.

Small Talk 101

Through our hit Professional Fridays series, the NMI has gathered years of feedback from industry partners about what traits help graduates land jobs. One common request is the development of soft skills. They need employees who can work on a team, solve problems, and demonstrate rockstar interpersonal skills. Just like with new technology, the NMI believes it takes practice to master a skill. Small Talk 101 will bring our current students together with industry experts, alumni and University friends to expand professional connections and practice networking skills. We will highlight tips and tricks to better relate in professional settings.Small Talk 101 is made possible by the support of Brooke MacLean (ABJ, 2011), CEO at Marketwake. Help our students build critical interpersonal skills. Join us on February 21 – and share with your colleagues! RSVP here: https://bit.ly/smalltalk2025

Grady College Prospective Student Day

Prospective Student Day is an opportunity for high school and transfer students and their guardians to learn more about Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication. Current UGA students who are interested in applying for Grady College majors are also welcome. In addition to a guided tour, students will hear about admissions, eligibility requirements and programs of study. This event covers our undergraduate programs only. If you are interested in graduate program information, email anne.hurne@uga.edu. Register here to join us at Grady College Prospective Student Day!

TEDxUGA 2025 – Destination

Our journeys are shaped by the people we meet and the places we explore. When we pursue new ideas, forge connections, and embrace new experiences, we deepen our understanding of one another and the world. The University of Georgia is a place where many paths cross for the first time, where ideas converge and new possibilities emerge. These moments of connection – on campus and beyond – remind us that the journey is as impactful as the destination. And now you’ve arrived at your next Destination: TEDxUGA 2025. For more information about the event, presenters, and more, please visit the 2025 event page. Learn more & Register: https://tedxuga.com/register/

Dawgs with the Dean Fall 2024

Students, faculty and staff are welcome to join Dean Davis for a hot dog lunch on the lawn (while supplies last). This bi-annual event is a College favorite and a great opportunity to network with others.