FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

• What is the Georgia Truth Project?

  The Georgia Truth Project is a project led by Progress Georgia to document and understand the different ways communities across Georgia consume media and receive newsworthy information from a wide variety of sources. The sources of information we all rely on can shed light on what matters most in our neighborhoods and reveal gaps in traditional media outlets. We hope that by doing this work, we can improve our shared understanding of how Georgians get the information they need to stay up-to-date on current news and help us all see ways in which often overlooked parts of our state – such as smaller rural communities – can be better served through broadband expansion, digital cell towers, and other news infrastructure improvements.

• Where and When Were Community Conversation Held in Georgia?

  We traveled to a number of cities across Georgia to gain insight directly from the individuals who live and work in these communities. During the first phase of the project, we visited the following cities:

  • Macon (August 2023)
  • Columbus (September 2023)
  • Albany (October 2023)
  • Augusta (January 2024)
  • Dalton (June 2024)
  • Valdosta (June 2024)
  • Savannah (July 2024)
  • Brunswick (July 2024)
  • Gwinnett (July 2024)

• Why is this work important?

  The Georgia Truth Project’s work is crucial for understanding and improving the state’s media ecosystem, particularly for underserved communities. By mapping out Georgia’s news outlets, identifying trusted information sources, and examining how residents consume news, the project aims to bridge information gaps and amplify voices that are often left out of important conversations surrounding the issues that matter most to them while identifying each area’s unique media coverage and consumption usage.

  We’re living in the middle of major information consumption shifts. As the way in which our society consumes media transforms— especially as it relates to the continued rise of digital outlets, the 24-hour news cycle, and the move away from local, analog newspaper outlets—it’s our responsibility to make progress on information and coverage gaps for the integral communities across our state that form the fabric of our state and make Georgia the unique place we call home.

• How do I use this Information?

  We hope this information is helpful in your endeavors to more effectively reach members in your community and encourage thoughtful ways to fill information-sharing gaps that may exist. More mindful of the ways they are already consuming news and information.

• What's next?

  Our team will continue to hold Community Conversations in areas across the state to better understand the tools they use, or as consumption habits change.