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AZ Week Notebook – September 23rd, 2011

PUTTING IT ALL TOGETHER: REDISTRICTING

I first received word that I would research this week’s topic, the Arizona Independent Redistricting Commission, a couple weeks ago. Little did I know how much I would gain out of the experience.

From the get-go, I poured over countless articles covering all aspects of the commission. Absorbing facts such as the Voting Rights Act, Attorney General Tom Horne’s investigation, the commission’s struggle with time.

One of the people I spoke with was Jennifer Steen, a political science professor at Arizona State University. Her last words to me left a lasting impression as my role as a journalist.

She said many media outlets are simply reporting “he said, she said” stories without providing substantial support about the commission, specifically involving the recent investigation. It’s important as a journalist to interpret the situation for the viewers and give them more.

That’s what I hoped to do during my on-air discussion with Michael Chihak.

Watch Friday’s program of “Arizona Week” to hear about the IRC’s influence and the arithmetic it takes to redraw Arizona’s nine congressional and 30 legislative districts.

Arizona Independent Redistricting Commission Jennifer Steen redistricting,

About AZ Week Notebook

News and commentary from Arizona Week producer/host Michael Chihak and interns Melanie Huonker and Lucy Valencia.