Public Interactive is looking for some forward-thinking stations to work with us on piloting Core Publisher, and we’re particularly excited by new website possibilities that this tool will enable. To attract new audiences online, stations need to look beyond sites that serve as simple companions to their on-air broadcast, and Core Publisher will help stations push beyond these basics to deliver innovative approaches for attracting and engaging larger online audiences.
But what are some of these new website possibilities? Here are two potential approaches that we’re looking to partner with pilot stations around. If you like the sound of these, please apply to be part of our pilot program!
Destination News – Stations with the capability to create and publish original reporting are in a position to provide online news for their local communities at a time when traditional sources are stumbling. The NPR API provides a huge additional benefit for stations, allowing for the creation of news sites that artfully blend national and local content. A wide range of additional possibilities exist, from aggregating external local content to incorporating community participation in delivering the news. Examples of sites from stations that begin explore this idea include www.wbur.org and www.kalwnews.org.
Content Microsites – For many stations, innovating around new content on their primary station site runs the risk of confusing their broadcast visitors. With Core Publisher, we see an opportunity for stations with innovative ideas, web content creation capability and editorial insight to rapidly launch new topic-specific, small websites. These microsites zoom in on one type of content or one specific audience to support original content publishing and pull in and link to a variety of highly relevant external sources. Since microsites can be excellent for pulling in a niche audience around a common interest, microsites can also offer opportunities for community participation and social network integration. Examples of microsites include content verticals such as local sports, audience niches such as independent filmmakers, or time/location specific sites created around a regional event or crisis. Stations should choose an area with which they have intimate knowledge and have experienced content producers, with the goal of growing and engaging online audience.
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