Report on Journalistic Contributions to Sustainable Development Goals by WDET Personnel

Robyn Vincent: Aligning Investigative Journalism with Global Goals

The work of Robyn Vincent, co-host of “The Metro,” demonstrates a strong alignment with several Sustainable Development Goals through dedicated investigative journalism and editorial leadership.

• SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions:
  • Ms. Vincent’s investigative work into the power of sheriffs in Colorado, supported by a fellowship from Investigative Reporters and Editors, directly addresses Target 16.6 (Develop effective, accountable and transparent institutions at all levels) and Target 16.3 (Promote the rule of law… and ensure equal access to justice for all).
• SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities:
  • By directing a series on the experiences of Syrian refugees, she highlighted critical issues of human migration and integration, contributing to the discourse surrounding Target 10.7 (Facilitate orderly, safe, regular and responsible migration and mobility of people).
• SDG 16.10: Ensure public access to information:
  • Her role as a journalist and host on a daily news program is fundamental to upholding this target, which is crucial for building peaceful, just, and inclusive societies.

Jack Filbrandt: Enhancing Civic Engagement and Institutional Transparency

Jack Filbrandt’s professional activities as an assistant producer and civic documenter contribute significantly to the advancement of local governance and informed communities.

1. Contribution to SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions:
   • As a Detroit Documenter covering local government meetings, Mr. Filbrandt’s work is a direct implementation of efforts supporting Target 16.6 (accountable and transparent institutions) and Target 16.7 (Ensure responsive, inclusive, participatory and representative decision-making at all levels). This work provides the public with essential information for civic participation.
2. Support for SDG 16.10:
   • His production work on “The Metro” facilitates the dissemination of news and cultural information, reinforcing the public’s right to access information.

The Metro Program: A Platform for Sustainable Community Development

The daily program “The Metro” serves as an institutional asset for promoting sustainable development within its broadcast region.

• Pillar for SDG 16.10 (Public Access to Information): The program’s core mission to deliver daily news, arts, and culture provides a consistent and reliable platform for informing the public, a foundational element of the SDGs.
• Forum for SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities): By focusing on local Detroit issues, the program inherently addresses topics central to making cities inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable. It fosters public dialogue on urban challenges and opportunities, from local governance to cultural preservation.

Analysis of the Article for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

The article, which consists of author biographies, connects to several Sustainable Development Goals through the professional activities and backgrounds of the journalists described. The following SDGs are relevant:

• SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions: This is the most prominent SDG. The work of the journalists, such as investigating the “unchecked power of sheriffs” and “covering local government meetings,” directly relates to promoting accountability, transparency, and justice within public institutions.
• SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities: The mention of a journalistic series “tracing one reporter’s experience living and working with Syrian refugees” highlights issues faced by vulnerable and marginalized populations, which is a core concern of SDG 10.
• SDG 4: Quality Education: The biographies mention formal education (“graduate of Wayne State University, where she studied journalism”) and specialized training (“national fellowship from Investigative Reporters and Editors”), linking to the goal of providing inclusive and equitable quality education and lifelong learning opportunities.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

Based on the activities described in the article, the following specific targets can be identified:

1. Under SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions):
   • Target 16.6: Develop effective, accountable and transparent institutions at all levels. This is supported by the journalists’ work in “covering local government meetings” and conducting “investigative work that probed the unchecked power of sheriffs,” both of which serve to scrutinize and hold institutions accountable.
   • Target 16.10: Ensure public access to information and protect fundamental freedoms. The entire profession of the individuals described—journalism—is dedicated to providing the public with information. Their work at WDET, an NPR station, and an alternative weekly newspaper directly contributes to this target.
2. Under SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities):
   • Target 10.7: Facilitate orderly, safe, regular and responsible migration and mobility of people. While the article doesn’t detail policy, the act of creating a series on “Syrian refugees” raises public awareness and understanding of the challenges faced by migrants and refugees, which is a crucial step toward achieving this target.
3. Under SDG 4 (Quality Education):
   • Target 4.4: By 2030, substantially increase the number of youth and adults who have relevant skills, including technical and vocational skills, for employment, decent jobs and entrepreneurship. The reference to a university degree in journalism and a “national fellowship” for investigative reporting are direct examples of individuals acquiring specialized skills for their profession.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

The article does not provide quantitative data but implies several qualitative indicators for measuring progress:

• For Target 16.6: The existence and output of journalistic work focused on institutional oversight serve as an implied indicator. Specific examples include:
  • The production of investigative reports on law enforcement (“investigative work that probed the unchecked power of sheriffs”).
  • Consistent reporting on local government activities (“Detroit Documenter, covering local government meetings”).
• For Target 16.10: The presence and recognition of a free press are implied indicators.
  • The mention of “award-winning” journalism and a “national fellowship” suggests a high standard of information being made publicly available.
  • The operation of public radio stations (WDET, KUNC) and print media (“alternative weekly newspaper”) indicates a functioning system for public access to information.
• For Target 10.7: The creation of media content that humanizes and explains the situation of migrants and refugees.
  • The “series… tracing one reporter’s experience living and working with Syrian refugees” is a direct example of such content, serving as an indicator of public discourse on the topic.
• For Target 4.4: The educational and professional achievements of individuals in relevant fields.
  • The mention of a “graduate of Wayne State University, where she studied journalism” is an anecdotal indicator of higher education providing job-relevant skills.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: wdet.org