Last month, the CMT and the Google News Initiative facilitated the inaugural Local News Symposium in Adelaide. Dozens of regional editors and publishers from across Victoria and South Australia came along to brainstorm ideas and share their wisdom.
The symposium built on the idea that what unites regional and independent news media is far greater than what divides it. There are shared challenges – and opportunities – at every turn.
The day came in two parts: the first half identified the challenges, drawing on insights from attendee's experiences while including up-to-date research by Caroline Fisher from the University of Canberra, and Eric Sidoti from the University of Western Sydney.
The second half of the day was dedicated to working on potential solutions. Google had on hand two experts in teasing out solutions to problems using user design skills and methods. Some themes and questions that arose from the day were:
- How to best turn readership into revenue;
- How to build a sustainable business through innovation;
- What role, if any, should government play in helping publishers;
- What role, if any, should digital platforms play;
- What skills are lacking – and how to grow them; and
- What regulatory changes could assist regional news media.
Opinion Media also screened their short film featuring brief interviews with people on where they get their news. Watch it below.
