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
Personal ads drive community engagement for alt-weekly
How we worked with Pittsburgh City Paper to create a modern-day personals section.
Four ways to break down large revenue goals into short-term experiments
From thank-you notes and swag to email strategies reaching specific audiences, what more than 20 newsrooms tested.
Walking tours for community engagement
A conversation with Cara Kuhlman, Future Tides.
Connecting with communities through walking tours
How we implemented walking tours with Newsberg.
Using public state data to build a bill tracker
A conversation with Caleb Bedillion of the Marshall Project.
Finding a legislation tracking tool that fits your newsroom’s needs
Six tools for tracking bills and topics across different states.
Couch Talk: Testing out a new, community-focused vertical video series
Lessons learned from one an on the street video strategy.
Re-evaluating what news delivery looks like at CivicLex
Centering the community’s needs while finding an innovative format.
How thoughtful onboarding documentation can set staff up for success
A conversation with Jill Geisler.
Simplifying newsroom onboarding
How to get newsroom staff on the same page on cheat-sheets and documentation.