The Richard Jones Journalism Blog
Richard Jones shares 13 things he has learned since starting Saddleworth News to cover his community near Manchester, England. Several focus on how a hyperlocal site is different from a newspaper website: “You can cover the same story as many times as you like,” without an editor saying “we did that last week/month/year.” He also advises, “It’s not worth trying to be comprehensive,” and “don’t cover the same things the local paper does, unless you can do it better.” A couple other important lessons for journalists operating independently:
7. Serious reporting leads to serious access
I wondered when I started Saddleworth News about whether I’d be taken seriously by people in authority, especially as I had to take a baby around with me every time I went out to cover a story. I shouldn’t have worried.
… If you cover issues in a responsible way, you’ll get respect and access to the powerful in return. Regardless of how unusual your personal circumstances might be. …
13. It’s not about the money
I’d describe this as the $64,000 question facing journalism, if I thought anyone was capable of bringing in that kind of cash. Maybe it should be the $6.40 question, which is at least enough to get a couple of pints in. Well, some rancid domestic lager anyway. If you want to make money, become a plumber or something … It’s unlikely you’ll be drinking too much hyperlocal-funded bubbly anytime soon.
