Innovation in Focus
Innovation in Focus is a series exploring new tech, tools and methods of storytelling for newsrooms worldwide. We interview experts, test ideas and provide our findings on a different topic each month.
Sign up for the Innovation in Focus Newsletter to get a monthly delivery of each topic.
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
Lean into what your core audiences value
A conversation with Jacqué Palmer, The Boston Globe on growing your newsletter.
How to deepen the impact of newsletter call to actions
A few wording, colors, style changes to increase subscribers through PublicSource newsletters.
Planning a community pop-up event? Start by talking to local organizers
A conversation with Maya Chupkov, founder of the Proud Stutter podcast.
Low-lift events that can spark meaningful storytelling and community connection
Lessons learned when we invited the community to write heartfelt letters In an effort to foster community engagement and connection, the Innovation in Focus team partnered with Vox Magazine on a multimedia story that came from a community pop-up event. After seeing examples of moving storytelling from newsrooms like El Tímpano, where their team gathered … Continued
How newsrooms can reimagine community safety at events
A conversation with Mariah Castañeda, LA Public Press.
Generating revenue through merchandise community partnerships
Block Club Chicago brought in $100,000 from Gator Watch, a conversation on merch and partnerships with Maple Walker Lloyd.
How to work with a local artist to design merch for your newsroom
Saco Bay News, Black Iowa News, Forth Worth Report and My Ballard created T-shirts with their communities.
How to authentically ask for audience participation in newsletters
A conversation with Sam Cholke and Andrew Haeg.
Building interactive visuals for newsletter engagement
How a newsletter drew participation through a holiday gift guide.
How to build news quizzes to encourage habitual engagement
Missouri Business Alert expands their quiz from Instagram to newsletters.