Request testimonials
The call for witnesses is an old journalistic ritual. Some news sites cleverly highlight it, like Le Monde . We regularly find them on the home page of the site.
On the New York Times website , this practice is also increasingly common. Beyond the classic calls for witnesses, the American newspaper regularly launches calls to collect audio and video testimonies, in order to feed its podcasts and video series.
In an electoral context, this approach also has an interest in keeping readers' real concerns in mind (and getting out of the usual little horse race that many political journalists indulge in). Researcher Jay Rosen speaks of a " citizens agenda ".
At the Dublin Inquirer , a local Irish news site, the editorial team asked readers about their interests ahead of the municipal elections. The media then interviewed all the candidates and presented their answers on a beautiful, simple and accessible platform.
Nice-Matin also has this lead with the participatory platform “ Me, mayor ” during the last municipal elections.
Nice-Matin regularly lets its subscribers vote to choose its next investigations. An approach that seems to have a positive impact in terms of loyaltyThe website Les Jours also used this process, allowing people to choose their next “obsession”.
Open your editorial conferences
Beyond contributions, some media play the game of involving readers (more or less regularly) in editorial conferences.
Based in Chicago, the City Bureau network of journalists regularly organizes meetings with citizens to discuss local issues freely. A Facebook group serves as a link between all members.
The British site Tortoise organizes “Open newsroom” every week, in public video conference (by registration).
In France, Rue89 Strasbourg has also organised conferences chinese america data in the field, to “reduce the gap” between journalists and residents.
Request expertise
During the coronavirus epidemic, Mediacités mobilized the expertise of its readers to enrich its investigations . A form was thus accessible to leave your contact details.
At the New York Times , the process is increasingly being used — a notable change for an institution accustomed to a vertical relationship with readers.