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Hyperlocal Funding and Sustainability
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Transcript of Hyperlocal Funding and Sustainability
Some thoughts onHyperlocal Funding and Sustainability
Damian Radcliffe, 5th February 2014
Twitter: @damianradcliffe Web: damianradcliffe.com
Image via:http: //bit.ly/1eughoI
Funding – and sustainability - is perhaps hyperlocal media’s biggest challenge.
Here are some thoughts for you to consider, if you haven’t already…
There is no “one size fits all” solution
Most sites need to have multiple income streams to survive.
This also enables you to spread your risks i.e. if one source falls by the wayside, always have other income streams.
In other words…
Don’t have all of your eggs in one basket…
Examples of income sources
• Online Advertising
• Printed What’s On Guide (SE1)
• Printed Newspaper (Brixton Bugle)
• Social Media Services (Oakland Local)
• Copywriting (Caerphilly Observer)
And a few more….
• eBooks (Londonist)
• Property supplement (HU17.net)
• Weekly newsletter (ChiswickW4.com)
• Groupon and local deals (Caerphilly Observer)
• Web hosting and Tech support (Mon TV)
Examples of some who’ve done it. Well worth a look.
Some ideas from old media - may also be worth a look…
Examples of income sources
• Franchising (DMGT, Localpeople)
• Advertising Partnerships (DMG and Trinity
Mirror)
• Daily Deals and Vouchers (Johnston, STV)
• Property (Rightmove)
• Paywalls (Esp. in North America)
Sustainability isn’t just about money
Sustaining the momentum
This is an important consideration, as inevitably your interest – and energy levels will wane at some point.
Involve your community
You may find people with different skills and interests.
Your work does not need to grind to a halt because you go on holiday, or you’re sick. But it often does.
Not just behind the scenes… … but potentially in content creation
And don’t forget:Feedback, identifying – and potentially even paying for stories.
Know your limits
Some sites also get funding – in the form of grants or advertising from local councils and other public bodies.
But some sites feel this may impact on their editorial integrity and the ability to fairly criticise these bodies.
Not everyone holds this view, but you need to think about where you stand and if these sources are for you.
Always have an exit strategy
Some great sites have continued when their founders have moved on.
@bournvillenews
But others have been mothballed
Or closed.
Which seems a shame after allthat effort was put in.
Or perhaps they served their initialpurpose?
So that’s ok…
“Remember that you are not just a journalist any longer.
You’re a marketer, publisher and business leader.
Above all, stay focused, but be ready to change on a dime.
As a local news entrepreneur, you will need to evolve and evolve.
Make the surprises work for you.”
Jan Schaffer, Ten Steps For Any News Startup
Over to you…… and Good Luck!
More at: www.slideshare.net/mrdamian
About Me: @damianradcliffeDamian Radcliffe is a Doctoral Student and an Honorary Research Fellow at Cardiff School of Journalism, Media and Cultural Studies.
He has written about hyperlocal media for a number of organisations and media outlets including: Ofcom, the BBC College of Journalism, Networked Neighbourhoods, journalism.co.uk and the Democratic Society.
In 2012 NESTA published his landscape report - “Here and Now” – the first comprehensive review of the UK’s hyperlocal scene.
Links to Damian’s extensive hyperlocal writing and research can be found via his portfolio website:
www.damianradcliffe.wordpress.com/hyperlocal