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.
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
Empowering local newsrooms with comprehensive community dashboards
Han Vu is a 2023 RJI Student Innovation Fellow partnered with the American Press Institute in Washington, DC. The RJI Student Fellows will be sharing their innovative work through Innovation in Focus. Data holds great power for newsrooms to better understand their communities, but accessing and understanding it can be daunting. To aid local journalists … Continued
Wok and scroll: the process of designing an animated information graphic
Four tips on expediting your next animated adventure.
Early lessons about using Threads to engage your community
From allotted character count to engagement strategies, takeaways from the Springfield News-Leader.
Testing API’s source tracking tool with local newsrooms
Lessons learned and common challenges with implementing the Source Matters tool.
Making Census data accessible for reporters with varying data literacy
Your guide to variables, visualizations and more.
Maximizing your membership program with product thinking and user research
Increase the value of membership for members by meeting them where they are, testing internal assumptions and employing product thinking.
Going beyond local data to contextualize a community issue
Tools and advice for finding and analyzing data in rural Lake County, California.
Product development is built on a foundation of trust
A conversation with Elite Truong, VP of Product Strategy The vice president of product strategy at the American Press Institute and board secretary for the News Product Alliance, Elite Truong, has worked as a product manager at news organizations like Vox and led R&D and news product teams at The Washington Post. Truong advocates for … Continued
How to gain buy-in and knowledge before building a news product
At the Star Tribune, Emily Hood will be creating a Slackbot to generate audience analytics reports. These reports can better support the newsroom as they learn about their online performance and adjust their content strategies.
Sparking community and collaboration in a hybrid newsroom
A conversation with Anne Snabes of the Sarasota Herald-Tribune.