Nick Castele, government reporter with Signal Cleveland, goes on the record to explain why keeping up on news about your local government and politics is important. Castele also discusses how his reporting aims to make Cleveland’s government and politics news more accessible, understandable and empowering.

Watch Nick Castele explain his approach to community journalism

Hopefully [my reporting] helps residents feel empowered to be active participants in the community as we are all trying to figure out our future together.

Nick Castele

A message from Nick

My name is Nick Castele and I’m the government reporter with Signal Cleveland. We want to involve people in the conversation about what is happening, whether that’s health, criminal justice, government or economic issues.

We are telling the story of Cleveland — and we’re including Clevelanders in that process. I think the people who write the news can learn a lot by listening to their audience. 

In my reporting, I want the community to feel as though they have a stake in the stories that are being told. I am working to pull the veil back on what’s happening in Cleveland City Hall and in the Cuyahoga County administration building so residents know what is being done on their behalf. Hopefully this helps residents feel empowered to be active participants in the community as we all try to figure out our future together. 

My reporting matters because, if I’m doing it right, I am telling people something they didn’t know or I’m bringing new voices into a conversation from people who hadn’t been heard before. I feel gratified when I hear my reporting has helped someone learn something new. Hopefully it is helping people broaden their understanding of what’s happening in their backyard.

It’s our summer campaign this week. Money raised will go toward producing more quality journalism that our city needs and deserves. Help us reach our goal by setting up a $15 monthly gift or by making a one-time donation.