Enhance lives or simplify them — that’s how local journalism can stand out

Behind Local News
Jan 1, 2019 · 3 min read
Francois Nel

Francois Nel believes there’s a simple question journalists can ask to make sure their work makes a difference

Which story from the local media will you remember from 2018 and why?

Those aggregated in the ‘All about Ancoats’ tab of the Manchester Evening News, because it keeps me up to date on the news about the little corner of the big city that I call home.

What has surprised you most about local journalism in 2018?

The resilience of journalists on the ground in face of the huge on-going challenges and changes in the industry.

What do you see as the biggest challenges facing local journalism in 2019?

Keeping a balance between original reporting about issues that matter and efficienently repurposing and aggregating content and audiences.

What advice would you give to local journalists planning for 2019?

Be clear about your purpose. When Mike Darcy stepped up as CEO to steady the ship and guide News International’s transition into News UK in the wake of the News of the World closure and the Leveson enquiry, he addressed a group of business leaders and explain how he went about identifying the company’s purpose. I believe that how local journalists now answer the questions he posed then remain crucial: ‘What am I in business for? What is the thing that, were it to be lost in the pursuit of survival and success, it would all’ve become a little bit pointless?

What do you hope will happen in 2019?

That the drive to be more efficient in operations and more effective in reaching audiences, will spur journalists to be more creative, not more formulaic, to create more content of value, not just more content.

What can local editors to make their newsrooms more attractive to students or people considering entering the profession?

Offer Clarity, Conviction And Career Opportunities. Talented would-be journalists are looking for the three things we look for in our workplaces — Clarity about the company’s purpose, managers and colleagues that ethusiastically buy into the company’s mission, and the knowledge that there are prospects for growth. And a decent wage.

What do you think local newsrooms are doing wrong at the moment?

I wouldn’t generalise, but perhaps there’s even more local newsrooms can do to focus on solutions, not problems. To develop ideas, not just critiques. To be fresh, not repetitive. To celebrate our rich diversity, not to stoke divisions. To be a part of the community, not apart from it.

If you had one piece of advice for a local editor, what would it be?

Ask yourself: Is that [story, front page, activity] life enhancing or life simplifying [for my readers, for my community, for my newsroom, my company — and for me ]?

  • Dr François Nel is Reader in Media Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Media Innovation Studio, School of Journalism, Media and Performance, University of Central Lancashire, Preston

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Behind Local News UK

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