CWU digital journalism alum wins open government reporting award

Beyond keeping the public up to date on what is happening in their communities, journalists also play a crucial role in ensuring government transparency and holding those in power accountable for their words and actions.

Recognizing the importance of this function in our democracy, the Washington State Coalition for Open Government (WCOG) awards journalists and organizations around the state whose work ensures government transparency through use of the Open Public Meetings/Public Records Act at its annual Sunshine Breakfast.

This year, Central Washington University digital journalism alumnus and Tri-City Herald reporter Eric Rosane took home a Key Award at the March 17 event.

Rosane, who graduated 2018, says his experience in CWU's communications department helped him find his footing in the fast-paced journalism profession.

"The instructors and classes at Central, especially in the communications department, were really key to my development as a journalist and flourishing right out of college," he said. "Journalism is a breakneck industry, and I felt like I had been equipped with the right tools and experiences to deal with that fast pace."

Rosane is an education and government accountability reporter with the Kennewick-based news organization. The WCOG presented him with the Key Award for his work covering the Richland School Board's decision to make masks optional during the COVID-19 pandemic in spite of a statewide mask mandate. Through thoughtful and deliberate use of the Public Records Act, Rosane was able to shine a light on the internal conflicts that led to the controversial decision, and keep the public informed about what was transpiring in their schools.

Rosane says the Tri-Cities' complex governmental structure and proximity to several state-operated facilities makes the work of a government accountability reporter especially important in his community.

"The Tri-Cities have so much government, basically every kind of taxing district you can think of," he said. "That's awesome, because there's so much to cover, and we get a shot at making these complex issues make sense to the public."

Rosane was one of eight recipients of this year's Key Awards. He says impactful reporting like his starts at the student media level.

"The CWU Observer, Pulse, KCWU, and Central News Watch are real-world opportunities where students can pick up pen and paper and do some incredibly important work," said Rosane, who returned to Ellensburg campus last month to speak to a group of student reporters. "The Key Award is a great testament to the blood, sweat, and tears my instructors put into me, and that I put into my work. If the university can continue to invest in budding, enthusiastic journalists and communications researchers, it can continue to set the standard in Washington state."