The Charlotte ObserverFirst glance: Hyper-local partnerships

Charlotte Observer Partners

Early headlines The printed Observer has benefited more than

expected from content sharing Passion for the community is a better

motivator than money for our partners Training and forums are important Sustainability and growth are now Job One

Community panels on hyperlocal sites

Training

Early headlines from our partners Content sharing has been valuable, including

between partners in the “Charlotte News Network”

Big uptick in traffic on specific stories Observer brand is valuable Training was a plus, especially ad training What does future hold?

Some examples of content

ag

Still in progress Advertising

Removing technology as a barrier to launch

Sustainability for multiple sites

Close-up on Villa Heights Diverse, economically challenged central city

area of Charlotte We offered intensive coaching sessions on

journalism and advertising sales, as well as posted their material on our own website

Computer access is an issue; what about cell phones?

Street scene near Villa Heights

Thank you to:jLab: The Institute for Interactive LearningJan SchafferJohn S. and James L. Knight FoundationOur hyper-local partners

Questions:

Steve Gunn: sgunn@charlotteobserver.com704-358-5077. Editor for InnovationsAlicia Roberts: awroberts@charlotteobserver.com Project coordinator