Download - Hyperlocal types
Types of community journalism
What are the options?
Website with Facebook and Twitter accounts
• Example: Pobl Caerdydd
Website with Facebook and Twitter accounts
Advantages
• Greater visibility• More spaces for community
interaction• Different people want
different platforms for news
Disadvantages
• Time consuming to update• Format of news must be
tailored to each platform• Need to generate
readership in separate locations
Website with Facebook and Twitter accounts – another way…
• Example: SE16
Website with Facebook and Twitter accounts – another way…
Advantages
• Less time consuming to update
• More accessible for contributors
• Easy to read
Disadvantages
• Not as engaging visually• Does not invite
conversation, particularly on Facebook
• Looks more corporate than community-based
Print edition with website, Facebook and Twitter accounts
• Example: Caerphilly Observer
Print edition with website, Facebook and Twitter accounts
Advantages• Print edition reaches those
without internet access / older readership
• The combination of print and online visibility is appealing to advertisers
• Possible route to longer lasting financial sustainability
Disadvantages• Print requires investment to
get set up• Advertising sales usually
requires a freelance employee
• Creating content for print and online channels is a full-time job
Twitter account only
• Example: Wrexham Weather
Twitter account only
Advantages
• Good for quick news browsing / aggregation
• Conversational• Less time consuming than
other platforms
Disadvantages
• No space for in-depth editorial
• Selective in terms of user base
• Would rely on external media
Facebook page only
• Example: Ground Level Swansea
Facebook page only
Advantages• Easier to maintain• Visual way of connecting
with people• Widely used and very
accessible on mobiles and tablets
• Promotes interaction
Disadvantages• Format doesn’t allow for
longer editorial • Must be kept active on a
daily basis with quality posts (edge ranking)
• Must be regularly moderated to ensure comments are suitable
Points for discussion
• Which audience do we want to reach?• How much time can we commit?• Do we want phased development?• What are the costs involved in different
platforms?• Is there anyone who can help us with
technical support?