This article was taken from the January 2013 issue of Wired magazine. Be the first to read Wired's articles in print before they're posted online, and get your hands on loads of additional content by <span class="s1">subscribing online.
What's more local than local news? Emma Meese and Andy Williams, from the Centre for Community Journalism at Cardiff University, explain how to set up your own hyper-local site.
Do your research and keep it local
Talk to people online in community forums. Find out who your audience is and what they want. Stand on your high street with a survey. "Go back to basics," says Williams. "Tell people what's going on in their area": council meetings, break-ins, public events.
A little tech will go a long way
"Don't get hung up on technology," says Meese. Customise free platforms such as WordPress or Tumblr. "Some people have been able to expand into a free print model which can open up bigger revenue streams," adds Williams. Try
newspaperclub.com for production help.
Quality Content trumps clever design
"It's better to have great content than a snazzy site," says Meese. At its best, local news provides a forum for debate and a platform for citizen reporters. "The future of local news lies in more meaningful collaborations with the public, not fewer," explains Williams.
Network, network, network
Find other hyper-locals that share your vision, says Williams, and start building your own network. Plugging in to local, national and international news-producer networks is "a great way of picking up tips as you learn". There's a good directory at gohyperlocal.com.
Check your facts and follow your values Hyper-local journalists have to follow the same laws as any other journalist: if you publish something, it has to stand up. "Any information that is libellous, in contempt of court, in breach of copyright or is factually incorrect may land you in court," warns Meese.
This article was originally published by WIRED UK
