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?