How can local news providers compete for audiences online, whether it be through websites, social media, or smartphone based apps? This was a question discussed in five Nieman Lab articles in 2016.
Scaling down the hype in local news
“What we need is not more reporters and editors working for lumbering chain media, but instead more local news entrepreneurs who can bring together teams with business smarts, reporting chops, and deep community knowledge to kick ass, take names, and cash checks.”
Local news gets smarter on mobile
After shoveling stories across platforms and mastering the art of the “Five things to know for today” listicle, local news organizations will finally begin to “get it” on mobile in 2016. The focus will turn to crafting unique experiences within mobile apps that truly take advantage of the features and benefits of the smartphone platform.
Social platforms scale down locally
Much of the talk around the rise of platforms (Facebook Instant Articles, Apple News, Snapchat Discover, etc.) revolves around what many assume to be their lack of interest in local media. I don’t think that’s true – 2016 will be the year the platforms will scale down to local news partners.
Nationals wake up to the opportunity in local media
As yesterday’s local media companies wind down, tomorrow’s local media companies are being born. And like actual childbirth, local media company birth isn’t postcard pretty. Yesterday’s local media will underestimate and scoff at these scrappy news startups as they fumble with accuracy, delivery, ad products, pricing, and polish.
Distributed content needs local news
2016 is shaping up as the year when the “distributed content” wave overcomes traditional web platforms. It seems like the right time to ask: What will be the impact of distributed content on the digital distribution of local journalism?
These Nieman articles, on the future of local journalism, pose this question and some possible solutions. Our presentation focuses on how local news outlets across the world can provide a unique service to attract audiences, differentiate themselves from national or international news organisations and most importantly continue providing quality journalism to their local communities.
In this presentation we discuss how geo-location, smartphone based apps, integration with social media platforms and digitally innovative techniques can put local news back in the spotlight, assist young journalists getting their start in the industry and help communities and community events thrive like never before.
By Dylan Callard and Lucas Radbourne-Pugh
