How digital video is becoming the go-to platform for delivering local news
Aug 1, 2024
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Fran Wills, the CEO of the Local Media Consortium, highlights the transformative role of digital video in local news delivery. She discusses how platforms like YouTube and TikTok are reshaping audience behaviors, pushing newsrooms to explore video storytelling for revenue generation. The conversation delves into ethical challenges related to social media influencers and the necessity for digital partnerships. Wills emphasizes that video has shifted from a supplementary tool to a central element in news, driving engagement and financial growth.
Traditional newsrooms are increasingly embracing video content to adapt to changing audience preferences and enhance revenue streams.
Collaborations with digital partners enable local media to improve video production quality while navigating the influencer-driven landscape of modern journalism.
Deep dives
The Shift to Digital Video in Journalism
With the growing popularity of digital platforms like YouTube and TikTok, traditional newsrooms are increasingly focusing on video content creation and distribution to stay relevant and capture advertising revenue. News organizations are recognizing the potential of video not only as a medium for delivering news but also as a tool for audience engagement and monetization. For instance, various media outlets, such as newspapers and radio stations, are investing in video production studios to enhance their digital presence and connect with audiences on platforms where they are spending more time. This transformation signals a significant shift in how news is consumed and highlights video’s crucial role in the future of journalism.
Leveraging Partnerships for Video Monetization
Local Media Consortium (LMC) members collaborate with digital partners to enhance their video capabilities and boost revenue streams. Through partnerships with companies focused on video technology, members access affordable solutions for producing and monetizing video content. For example, the consortium’s collaboration with video players and content creators has enabled organizations like Newsday to build substantial followings on platforms like YouTube and TikTok. This synergy not only enhances the quality of video production but also offers local news outlets competitive advantages in securing advertising revenue.
Influencers and the Evolving Media Landscape
Influencers have emerged as powerful players in the media landscape, prompting traditional news organizations to reevaluate their strategies for audience engagement and trust. Many media companies are exploring how to leverage influencer relationships to expand their reach on social media and create relevant content that resonates with viewers. While the LMC allows its members autonomy in their influencer policies, it encourages experimentation with video content that can enhance community engagement. As influencers draw large followings, media outlets aim to find the balance between maintaining journalistic integrity and capitalizing on the influencer phenomenon.
Fran Wills, CEO of the Local Media Consortium, discusses how digital video has become the go-to news and information source for a growing number of people and what that means for local news.
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