Episode #91
Is San Antonio Working? Inside the New Civic Newsroom
San Antonio’s media landscape is changing—and a new voice is asking some important questions. In this episode of Beyond the Bite , Eddie Aldrete sits down with Phil Reichert , editor of The Civic San Antonio , an independent, nonprofit and nonpartisan media outlet focused on accountability journalism. Reichert explains why the founders of The Civic believed San Antonio needed a different kind of local news outlet—and how their mission of accountability journalism is designed to ask a simple question: “ Is our city working the way it should? ” The conversation takes a closer look at what accountability journalism means in practice—from comparing what public officials say they will do with what actually happens, to examining whether institutions are achieving the goals they set for themselves. Reichert and Aldrete discuss the changing San Antonio media environment, the challenges facing traditional news organizations, and why local journalism matters when decisions made at City Hall can directly affect the everyday lives of residents. They also explore some of the biggest issues facing San Antonio, including the downtown arena, development, taxes, the city budget and the growing pressure on local government to make difficult choices. Looking ahead, Reichert shares his vision for The Civic and for San Antonio itself. Beyond covering conflict at City Hall, he wants to examine the institutions and leaders working to move the community forward—and the importance of building consensus around a shared vision for the city's future. From economic development to downtown investment and the potential for greater collaboration among San Antonio's civic institutions, this conversation explores not only what is happening at City Hall, but the bigger question of where San Antonio is going—and who is helping shape its future.
