INNER CIRCLE INNER CIRCLE 2013: 2013:

SEEN-ON-SCENE SEEN-ON-SCENE PHOTO PHOTO

GALLERIESGALLERIESGATEHOUSE NEWS & INTERACTIVE DIVISION

Call in: (877) 411-9748 Access code: 630 956 8834

Today’s agenda

• Overview of seen-on-scene galleries strategy• Who is doing this well?• Examples of recent seen-on-scene galleries• 36 ideas for seen-on-scene galleries• Recap• Q&A

Overview

What are seen-on-scene galleries?

• Seen-on-scene galleries are photos of people at local events, shot close up, with faces clearly visible.

What are the Inner Circle expectations for seen-on-scene galleries?

• 1 each week

Overview

Why are seen-on-scene galleries part of Inner Circle 2013?

• All of our Inner Circle 2013 strategies are part of a project over the summer that involved editors from across GateHouse, from our smallest to our largest papers, serving communities of all sizes.

• This group saw seen-on-scene galleries as driving significant page views, unique visitors and time on site in 2013.

Overview

”These galleries have been a HUGE success in driving traffic to our site. For example, in November one iSpy gallery at an annual father-daughter dance got nearly 40,000 pageviews. Another one from a performance got nearly 30,000.”

-- Kris Worrell, Editor, The Observer-Dispatch, Utica, NY

Overview

This doesn’t seem like journalism to me.

• Not everything we produce is hard news. This is simply another way to cover events in your community, with this advantage: Seen-on-scene galleries will draw viewers to your site, where they can find all your other great content.

Overview

”Readers may come for the iSpy but they stay for the news. Without fail, when we have a hugely popular iSpy gallery, we see pageviews go up across ALL our content. Total pageviews and uniques go up, numbers on individual stories go up -- everything goes up.

“Even if you don't think these galleries are high level journalism, do them anyway. They will deliver the eyeballs you want to all your quality journalism.”

-- Kris Worrell, Editor, The Observer-Dispatch, Utica, NY

Overview

Should we differentiate between a regular news photo gallery and a seen-on-scene gallery?

Yes. News galleries are spontaneously generated, mostly candid shots, and cutline information is specific in identifying the subjects and giving the reader information regarding the event. Seen-on-scene galleries are posed shots, and cutlines are very broad, generally just event-identifying information.

Overview

Whose responsibility is it to shoot these galleries?

It is ultimately the editor’s call, but everyone in the newsroom should be trained and capable of shooting this type of gallery: photographers, reporters, editors.

What type of events work best?Any event where there is a high concentration of

people. Examples include: festivals, shows, county fairs, competitions, fundraisers, sporting events and school functions. NOTE: There will be more examples later in this presentation.

Overview

How many people should typically be in a seen-on-scene photo?

Two or three. The goal is to make the faces easily identifiable.

How do I write a cutline for a seen-on-scene gallery?

Only the event is identified in these galleries. For example: The fourth annual Rotary Club Oktoberfest was held on Oct. 6 at Heritage Hall in Ardmore, and was attended by more than 2,000 people.

Overview

How can we use these photos in print if we aren ’t naming everyone in them?

Seen-on-scene photos in print can be largely promotional – include a callout for reader-submitted photos from that event or others.

Ultimately, editors and publishers can make their own decision on whether to include seen-on-scene photos in print. Only online publication will be required.

Overview

How many seen-on-scene photos are required to qualify for a gallery?

In this type of gallery, more is better. A gallery should have a minimum of 15 photos in it. If you have concerns about meeting this requirement, please contact your content team manager and we will work with you.

Where will these galleries be hosted on our website?

They will appear with your other galleries. To distinguish them from other galleries, label them in the title when you upload. For example: “Seen on scene: Palmyra chamber mixer.”

Overview

Can community groups and individuals contribute to these galleries?

Yes. If community members have taken seen-on-scene style photos, you can upload them to your site just like a gallery a staff member shot.

Can subjects purchase the staff photos?Yes, they would use the same process that is used to

purchase news photos.

Do seen-on-scene galleries increase the number of galleries expected for Inner Circle?

No, the number of galleries for Inner Circle hasn’t increased.

Overview

Can sites share seen-on-scene galleries through a syndication? 

Newsrooms that are located in close proximity can share seen-on-scene galleries if they are relevant to other sites.

Overview

Do we have to make a separate assignment to meet this requirement?

For the most part, the goal is to have staffers shoot these galleries as part of their regular workflow.

However, if meeting this requirement on occasion means you get out into the community and attend events you otherwise might not have, that’s not a bad thing.

Who is doing this well?

Are there examples of newsrooms doing this well?

The Utica Observer-Dispatch has been posting these galleries with great success. Visit www.uticaod.com and click on the iSpy tab under the photo bucket to see examples.

Who is doing this well?

The State Journal-Register has been producing “On the Town” photo galleries for years. They now have a list of groups requesting to participate.

Examples of recent galleries

Community theater reopening Charity fashion show

Examples of recent galleries

Senior center activity Historical society exhibit

Examples of recent galleries

High school basketball game Concert hall opening

Examples of recent galleries

Chamber mixer Community recreation

Examples of recent galleries

Farmers’ market Boys & Girls Club event

36 ideas for seen-on-scene galleries

• Farmers’ markets• Exhibit openings• Senior center• Library• Youth sports• Sledding spot• Ice skating• School events (Science fair, art exhibit, play)• YMCA• Popular breakfast or lunch spot• Holiday events• Organization events

36 ideas for seen-on-scene galleries

• Concerts• Fundraisers• Awards banquets• Board inductions (National Honor Society, Chamber)• “After Dark” business gatherings• Wine tasting/food contest• Grand opening of a business• Park/recreation classes, events and gatherings• Fairs/festivals• Lines for hot movie or concert• Charity runs, walks

36 ideas for seen-on-scene galleries

• Flea markets• Neighborhood block parties• Church events• Nature walks• Craft shows• Book signings• Beaches• Groundbreaking/ribbon cutting• Bingo• After-school programs• Food/clothing drives• Recycling center• Town dump

Recap

• How many each week? • 1 each week

• Why are we doing this? Our goal is pageviews, time on site and visitors to our sites.

• How do we do this? By getting photos of faces: shoot close, two to three people

Recap

• How can I make this less of a burden? Don’t worry about IDs – a single caption allows for faster uploading. Also, think of seen-on-scene galleries when you plan your regular assignments.

• I cover a small community. How can I meet this requirement? Regional events can help multiple sites

• Are these the only galleries I should shoot? Don’t forget about news galleries – they still help tell your story in meaningful ways

Q&A

INNER CIRCLE2013

GATEHOUSE NEWS & INTERACTIVE DIVISION