Metro hires its own reporter


Although Metro’s communications department already employs 25 people, the agency recently hired a reporter to cover the agency.

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Although Metro’s Communications department already employs 25 people, the agency recently hired a reporter to cover the agency.

Former Hillsboro Argus reporter Nick Christensen’s articles are intended to be different from the usual self-congratulatory press releases.

[Communications Director Jim] Middaugh’s thinking is this: Metro handles everything from transportation and land-use planning to the Oregon Zoo, has a $427 million annual budget and 750 employees, but has a tough time getting its message in the newspaper and engaging the public.

By hiring a journalist to report its news, Metro joins a trend that apparently began in 2001 when Major League Baseball hired reporters to cover each team.

Read more at OregonLive.com.

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