An introduction to hyperlocal aimed at journalism students at University Campus Oldham and the University of Huddersfield.

1. Hyperlocal media October 2011

2. About me Richard Jones University of Leeds Broadcast Journalism 1999-2002 Sky News 2002-2008 Freelance until 2009 Stay-at-home dad since 2009 Founded hyperlocal site Saddleworth News in 2010

3. In this lecture I will cover What hyperlocal is Why hyperlocal exists Why it’s important that you know about hyperlocal Examples of hyperlocal websites Some pros and cons of hyperlocal What the future might hold for hyperlocal The government’s plans for local TV

4. What hyperlocal is

5. What hyperlocal is Nobody can really agree on this. But in general it is... Online About a specific local area or topic Content that is either not covered by the traditional media, or not covered in much depth Largely produced by one individual

6. Why hyperlocal exists

7. Why hyperlocal exists DECLINE – sharp circulation falls at local newspapers, increased use of “hubs” in newspapers, radio and TV TECHNOLOGY – it’s easy to set up your own website INFORMATION – you no longer have to be a journalist to have access to information, social media helps information move faster

8. Why it’s important that you know about hyperlocal

9. Why it’s important that you know about hyperlocal Cuts in traditional media mean many of the old ways of getting into journalism are disappearing Hyperlocal requires both new and traditional skills, which can give you an advantage over existing journalists and other students Setting up on your own as a freelance or in a small media business IS a career option

10. Examples of hyperlocal websites

11. Examples of hyperlocal websites Sites focusing on news from one area

12. Examples of hyperlocal websites Sites which are based around discussion forums

13. Examples of hyperlocal websites Sites focusing on a particular topic

14. Sites for the benefit of local businesses

15. Examples of hyperlocal websites Sites established by mainstream media companies

16. Some pros and cons of hyperlocal

18. Highlight things that wouldn’t normally be considered ‘news’ by established media

19. Can help scrutinise those in power

20. Can offer more context and depth on issues

22. Not comprehensive

23. Uneven quality

24. Difficult for one person to have a wide enough range of skills

26. What the future might hold for hyperlocal More mainstream media experiments A handful of independent sites thrive financially, but many keep going on community goodwill. A lot continue to fail. Different models emerge. Not just advertiser- funded, but sites that are co-operatives or linked with universities. Technology moves on but the appetite for local content remains

27. The government’s plans for local TV

29. Government wants to set up new local TV services broadcasting on Freeview

30. The first are scheduled to begin in 2013

31. IPTV technology offers opportunities for hyperlocal TV in the medium-term

33. Get in touch Richard Jones Email: richardwilliamsjones@gmail.com Website: www.richardjonesjournalist.wordpress.com Twitter: @rlwjones

34. That’s it. Thanks for listening.