Local

Q&A on Modesto Bee’s COVID-19 coverage and how it impacts you

Click on the video above to watch our Q&A on coronavirus coverage.

To support local journalism and events such as this, please subscribe to The Modesto Bee.

If you’re already a subscriber — thank you for your support!

• • •

In any industry, there is no better feeling than receiving the support of your audience.

To that end, we at The Bee offer you our gratitude.

A few months ago, while in the throes of the coronavirus pandemic and with an unknown, yet impending story to come, we asked for your financial support in the way of a tax-deductible donation.

It was a difficult step given the support we already receive from our subscriptions, the access you give our reporters and the feedback I get via email, letters and comments on social media.

More than 180 readers donated to our cause, to help our journalists continue their coverage of COVID-19 uninterrupted in a time when others in our industry sadly could not. Thanks to you, we continued our unmatched coverage of the coronavirus in Stanislaus County, and transitioned into coverage of the protests over systemic racism after George Floyd died while in the custody of Minneapolis police officers.

And now, we want to give back to you. On Tuesday at 6 p.m., we will host a coronavirus video roundtable at modbee.com and Facebook.com/modestobee with four of our reporters:

  • ChrisAnna Mink, a pediatric infectious disease specialist and reporter for The Bee. She is funded by Report for America, the Stanislaus Community Foundation and Stanislaus County Office of Education.
  • Deke Farrow, The Bee’s education reporter.
  • Kristina Karisch, who covers economic development and is funded by Report for America and the Stanislaus Community Foundation.
  • Marijke Rowland, The Bee’s business reporter.

All of them will explain how they cover the coronavirus pandemic and take your questions in their areas of expertise. Please RSVP and ask your questions in the form below.

It’s the least we could do for both your generous support in dollars, and the words we received.

  • “Thanks for keeping us informed and up-to-date! You are our community eyes and ears. Keep after it. Keep ‘em honest!”
  • “As someone who grew up in Modesto and has family there, its so important to have a strong local newspaper. Thank you for your hard work and commitment to seeking and sharing the truth.”
  • “Facts are critical and investigative reporting is crucial to help us sift through the dangerous noise. Thank you for the effort of all of your staff and delivery persons.”

  • “You remain our best source of news of what is happening in Stanislaus County. Thank you!”

  • “The Modesto Bee makes tremendous contributions to its communities. Thanks to all on the team who work so hard for so many.”

  • “Keep up the great work! Thank you for lowering the paywall. Keeping all citizens informed and updated regardless of socioeconomic status. Love it!”

These were just a few examples on our donation page: givebutter.com/modbee.

The words were heartwarming, and uplifting, in a time when we needed it most. You also showed you cared by unprecedented digital numbers and engagement with our reporters.

And now, we’d be honored to engage with you.

Join us at 6 p.m. Tuesday at modbee.com for a discussion on this vital topic. And send your questions for us here – https://bit.ly/coronamodbee – or via the form below.

Thanks again!

This story was originally published July 16, 2020 at 1:33 PM.

Brian Clark
The Modesto Bee
Editor Brian Clark has worked at The Modesto Bee since 1990. He’s worked in various departments, including sports, news and on the digital side for a decade before being promoted to editor in 2018. He’s a native of Berkeley and a graduate of San Diego State University. Prior to The Bee, Brian worked at the Turlock Journal and Las Vegas Review-Journal.
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