The Asbury Park Press in New Jersey created this online clearing house of government data. Users can search for home sales data, property ownership records, town-by-town crime statistics, government employee salaries, state prisoner records and more.

A daily freedom of information blog providing readers with searchable databases of information from numerous governmental reports from crime to property taxes to restaurant inspections. A “blow the whistle” button gives readers the opportunity to be involved and focus attention on civic problems. This project has become model for other Gannett papers.

A monthly public affairs show that involves audiences in unusual, creative ways. Minnesota Public Radio invites any of its 500 collaborators to meet in monthly brainstorming sessions (10-20 show up) at local spots to discuss news topics to cover. Program is also taped live for audience feedback and broadcast and podcast for multiple playbacks. About 4,200 people download the weekly podcasts.