Innovation in Focus
Innovation in Focus is a series exploring new tech, tools and methods of storytelling for journalism. We interview experts, test ideas and provide our findings with templates, guidance and how-tos so you can implement the same innovations in your newsroom.
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Whether you’re a one-man band or a large metro, this series will help you take the next step in innovative journalism.
Email the editor: lytle@rjionline.org
Building a sponsored content program with intentionality and trust
Erica Schopmeyer, director of operations at Outlier Media, recently wrapped up a fellowship with Poynter’s Media Transformation Challenge where she focused on growing Outlier’s sponsored content program. Outlier had a couple sponsored content agreements when Schopmeyer joined, but she wanted to help grow this revenue stream to offset the organization’s reliance on grants and improve … Continued
How to start telling the story of your newsroom’s brand
A conversation with Chris Iles, The Minnesota Star Tribune.
How to utilize Instagram and LinkedIn ads for newsletter growth
Lessons learned from investing in different types of social advertising.
Take a tour of all the Innovation in Focus experiments from 2024
From creating merch with local artists to innovating CTAs — newsrooms across the country experimented to serve their communities better.
News through animation can improve memorability, engagement
A conversation with Mike Beaudet.
Four tools to create animated news explainers
Experimenting with VideoScribe, Adobe Express and more with Mississippi Today.
Creative ways to connect your community with resources
A conversation with Adrienne Johnson Martin.
Create a community resource hub using a free interactive tool
From food assistance to translation services, how Canopy Atlanta shares resources.
Using zines to share public service, civic information
From printing on a budget to distributing strategically: what you need to know.
Using zines to connect with a hyper-specific audience
Print is not dead: A conversation with Sarah Bennett Working with artists and journalists at all skill levels in her print shop, Sarah Bennett is familiar with tailoring zines to meet the needs of different producers and audiences. The Innovation in Focus team met with Bennett to talk about some of the common challenges she … Continued