Managing the Transparent Newsroom.

This article focuses on several components of a transparent newsroom. In Open News Meetings, The Spokesman-Review's daily news meetings are open to all news staff and to the public. Visitors make appointments with the editor's executive assistant. This brings newsroom staff together with readers who have an interest in contributing to daily news decisions. Moreover, in Part-Time Ombudsman, the paper contracts with a local college professor for op-ed columns once or twice a month. Ombudsman reports to the editorial page editor. The contract arrangement provides periodic, independent review of Spokesman-Review journalism and gives readers a place to take complaints for independent review and response. Much of his work never appears in print as he facilitates communication between disgruntled readers and staff.