Reporting on Politics in North Carolina: Insights from Sarah Gleason

“Sarah Gleason: Reporting on Politics in North Carolina’s Purple State”

Sarah Gleason, the 2024 elections reporting fellow in North Carolina, is based in Raleigh, the state capital, where she covers the presidential election, down-ballot races, voting, and state legislation. In a recent interview, she shared insights into her exciting job and the challenges of reporting in a battleground state.

Gleason finds the chaos and energy of the General Assembly invigorating, and she enjoys covering events where national politicians visit the state. Despite the polarized environment, she strives to create approachable content that highlights how politics and legislation impact everyone’s lives, regardless of their political views.

As a journalist in a purple state, Gleason faces challenges in getting some people to talk about politics, but she values those who are willing to share their perspectives. North Carolina’s status as a battleground state means it receives more attention from national politicians, adding an extra layer of interest to her reporting.

When it comes to interviewing the highest leaders in the House and Senate, Gleason explained the process of a gaggle, where journalists gather around them to ask questions after a session. Despite the fast-paced nature of political journalism, she aims to approach her reporting with empathy for all perspectives while maintaining a healthy dose of skepticism when necessary.

As for unwinding after talking about politics all the time, Gleason admitted she hasn’t quite figured that out yet and welcomes recommendations from others. Overall, her dedication to understanding and sharing the diverse perspectives in North Carolina’s political landscape shines through in her reporting.