(CLO) The digital revolution has "redefined" local journalism. Between challenges and opportunities, newsrooms must "transform" to survive and develop.
Digital transformation has helped solve key problems
Innovation is not just a survival tactic; it is the foundation of success for local news organizations. By embracing cutting-edge technology, pioneering new approaches to audience engagement, and diversifying the content they deliver, local newspapers can create unique, engaging journalism that resonates with increasingly demanding audiences.
The year 2024 witnessed a remarkable transformation at Hai Duong Newspaper, emphasizing the important role of innovation in the development of local media. The newspaper has strategically prioritized the development of multi-platform, multimedia journalism, achieving impressive milestones on many fronts.
Hai Duong Newspaper has made great strides in digital transformation.
According to Mr. Nguyen Quy Trong - Editor-in-Chief of Hai Duong Newspaper, Hai Duong e-newspaper is continuously in the top 6 local Party newspapers with the highest number of visitors, boasting an average monthly readership of about 2 million people. In September 2024, this newspaper reached new heights, ranking 3rd nationwide among provincial and city Party newspapers with more than 2.4 million visits.
Social media platforms have also proved to be useful allies. The paper’s Facebook page has attracted more than 167,000 followers, cementing its position as a leading local party newspaper with the coveted blue tick.
The revamped YouTube channel has attracted 3,000 subscribers and started generating revenue. The restored presence on TikTok has attracted 317,000 followers, ranking third among local Party newspaper TikTok channels. The Zalo platform remains a trusted channel for disseminating daily news.
Mr. Nguyen Quy Trong said that as soon as the online newspaper is better, the newspaper will promote innovation in the printed newspaper. Linking publications to support each other's development. Especially strengthening the political section, every issue, every day there will be political articles in the Current Affairs and Reflections/Perspectives, weekend cafe... discussing current issues happening locally and domestically and surprisingly, there are many readers because of the closeness, going into issues of public concern.
He emphasized that digital transformation has helped solve the key problems of the newspaper. That is, bringing the voice of the Party Committee and the government to the masses and allowing people to speak on the provincial Party Committee's newspaper, so that the Provincial Party Committee Executive Committee and provincial leaders know what the people think and need. Digital transformation has helped solve the core problem of bringing the newspaper to a large number of readers. The more people access the newspaper, the more those voices will spread, the more they will blend together, and the more they will contribute to creating consensus in society.
"We have come up with a specific strategy and immediately implemented a number of tasks. Hai Duong Newspaper has changed the way it conveys information, paying attention to understanding what readers need to guide reporters to deploy information to meet those needs. Readers here include provincial leaders, cadres, party members and the masses. Digital tools have helped us do that," said the Editor-in-Chief of Hai Duong Newspaper.
Restructuring the editorial office
According to Mr. Nguyen Tien Vu - Editor-in-Chief of Bac Ninh Newspaper, to meet the digital transformation, the editorial office needs to build a team of specialized and strong IT staff. Journalists must definitely be journalism experts and must understand technology, master the skills of modern journalists.
"In reality, local press reporters, especially older reporters who have been used to writing for many years, now have to learn other skills such as proficient use of computers, photography, recording and filming, graphics, film editing... This is a huge obstacle for them. For a long time, they have been used to a "neat" way of handling things, a somewhat "formulaic" writing style, now they have to change their working style, have to learn multimedia skills, so they feel hesitant ," Mr. Nguyen Tien Vu shared.
Training and development of staff and restructuring of the newsroom are viable solutions.
At the same time, the Editor-in-Chief of Bac Ninh Newspaper stated that journalism in the multimedia era requires a journalist to be able to do many things, not only writing for print newspapers but also for online newspapers, radio and television. Journalists need to be professional in processing information for media channels.
He emphasized that to adapt to the new media environment, "multi-skilled" journalists, in addition to mastering traditional journalism technologies, must quickly access modern technical means, thereby increasing the ability to create multi-form journalistic works that attract a variety of readers and viewers.
Sharing the experience of the editorial office, Editor-in-Chief of Hai Duong Newspaper Nguyen Quy Trong said that the Newspaper has focused on improving the capacity of the team. Many training courses have been organized with the participation of leading lecturers and experts. Study trips from other newspapers are also emphasized. The Newspaper also promotes the spirit of self-study and self-training of each individual, at the same time setting specific targets and including breakthrough tasks to promote the development of the team.
Since 2023, Hai Duong Newspaper has brought technicians to the reporter room. He said that this is the result of the digital transformation process, helping to streamline the editorial secretariat and at the same time support reporters in producing multimedia works, graphics, and podcasts quickly and with quality. The support of technicians also helps reporters focus more on content production, going to the grassroots, overcoming the shortage of reporters.
"At the same time, the newspaper implements a mechanism to rotate reporters, editors, and department heads to create a dynamic working environment, avoid inertia, and prevent negativity. Rotation is also a form of on-the-job training, helping staff have the opportunity to experience and develop in many different fields," the Editor-in-Chief of Hai Duong Newspaper emphasized.
Hoang Anh
Source: https://www.congluan.vn/bao-chi-dia-phuong-chuyen-minh-trong-ky-nguyen-so-va-nhung-bai-hoc-kinh-nghiem-post332911.html
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