My blog post comparing the role of the journalist with that of a local blogger triggered intense discussion in the comments.
I’m signed up as a contributor to a project in the North East and said that as a member of a community there are absolute no go areas as I need to stay on friendly terms with neighbours.
The post has attracted comment from several hyper local bloggers contributing to projects through the UK and further afield. Almost all are concerned about personal exposure and the lack of backup both in terms of the support of a newsroom and the legal infrastructure of a publisher.
Have a read if you get chance. There is no doubt hyper local media is viable and that local bloggers are able to provide the content and reach of a regional newspaper but the issues of personal anonymity and legal protection need be tackled.
Why local bloggers may never compete with local media – 12 August, 2009
Journalists: devalued and misunderstood? – 7 July, 2009
The Newcastle Journal’s hyperlocal project (and a new channel for chicken updates) – 24 June, 2009
Trendwatch: Hyperlocalism – 28 May, 2009
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To add my perspective on hyperlocal journalism, I would say that it’s a great concept as long as you stay out of taboos of the community. When you cut too deep into, say, same-sex marriage in a deeply catholic community, you’ve got a problem.
We’re tackling issues of free speech vs. due process of law. In my opinion anonymity will contribute to free speech, while legal protection will harm the due process of law. The question is: How do we balance it out?
Any suggestions?
It’s a tough one! I guess you have to make a choice between taking the mantle of a local reporter, with all the perks and perils that brings; or blending into the community as a normal punter.
As a blogger, what sort of support are you getting from the Journal? If there’s no safety net there, you’ve got to question the paper’s commitment to the project and its long term sustainability.
I don’t think anonymity is really an option. Of course, it means a complete lack of transparency, and one of a journalist’s greatest tools is the trust they have with the local community. It’s not a tactic that could work in the long term.
Well done for bringing this up. It’s a dealbreaker IMHO. I’d be interested to hear the Journal’s take on it. What’s Graeme Whitfield’s line?
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