The document discusses partnerships between the Charlotte Observer and local hyper-local news sites. It notes that content sharing has benefited the printed Observer more than expected and increased traffic to specific stories. Training was valuable for the partners, especially around advertising. It focuses on the Villa Heights neighborhood, a diverse and economically challenged area where the Observer provided coaching on journalism and advertising to help launch the local site and increase sustainability for multiple sites. Questions are welcomed.

1. The Charlotte Observer First glance: Hyper-local partnerships

2. Charlotte Observer Partners

3. Early headlines The printed Observer has benefited more than expected from content sharing Passion for the community is a better motivator than money for our partners Training and forums are important Sustainability and growth are now Job One

4. Community panels on hyperlocal sites

5. Training

6. Early headlines from our partners Content sharing has been valuable, including between partners in the “Charlotte News Network” Big uptick in traffic on specific stories Observer brand is valuable Training was a plus, especially ad training What does future hold?

7. Some examples of content

13. ag

14. Still in progress Advertising Removing technology as a barrier to launch Sustainability for multiple sites

15. Close-up on Villa Heights Diverse, economically challenged central city area of Charlotte We offered intensive coaching sessions on journalism and advertising sales, as well as posted their material on our own website Computer access is an issue; what about cell phones?

16. Street scene near Villa Heights

18. Thank you to: jLab: The Institute for Interactive Learning Jan Schaffer John S. and James L. Knight Foundation Our hyper-local partners Questions: Steve Gunn: [email_address] 704-358-5077. Editor for Innovations Alicia Roberts: [email_address] Project coordinator