Hyperlocal journalism, an opportunity or a funhouse mirror?

Hyperlocal journalism or neighborhood journalism is a new trend for maintaining sites and blogs. But are we talking about a beautiful opportunity to be grasped or just a funhouse mirror? In the light of its worldwide explosion, this movement could represent a treasure trove for those who will know where to dig, but speaking of treasure, it’s not always money we refer to.

Hyperlocal journalism was born in the United States around the early 2000s, and its development is currently highly significant. And it did not wait long before spreading like wildfire to Europe.

Some of the journalistic big names who made an attempt in hyperlocal journalism have lost the battle and had to lock the door and throw away the keys, due to missing advertising revenues.

But even more numerous are those who survive and make the buzz, multiplying the regional “branches” and the number of visitors, like the worldwide leader Patch.

What is the origin of this deep contrast?

Hyperlocal journalism doesn’t only commit the journalist. Being aware of the latest news requires total involvement in the life of the district. It is like being a special correspondent throughout the year, enjoying the privileges of the profession, such as a free coffee or snack here and there, but also and especially human contact. Because on the other hand, the inhabitants themselves are engaged, providing the news for the Web. It’s just like a social network in its real proportion.

So, making a fortune is certainly not the key point of this whole story, because the readers are not interested in all types of advertisements. Moreover, most sites of this kind are financially fed either by personal funds or by grants. But if one is a passionate and wants to live his passion for writing without any whys or hows, and if we especially want to please our citizens, for sure, there is a beautiful clear path to follow.

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