As Digital First Media works to “unbolt” our newsrooms from print processes and culture, we need a vision of the “unbolted” newsroom.
This post will elaborate on the characteristics of an unbolted newsroom, the goal of Project Unbolt, which DFM announced yesterday, following John Paton’s first public mention of the project last week.
In yesterday’s post, I described this newsroom generally, saying it will change in six characteristics (not listed in any particular order):
- Coverage and storytelling
- Processes
- Engagement
- Planning and management
- Mobile
- Standards
Here I’ll describe in some depth how the unbolted newsroom works and thinks in each of these respects. How newsrooms will achieve each of these priorities will vary according to a variety of circumstances such as size, clusterwide operations and the creativity and talents of local staff. The issues and techniques listed here are not exhaustive and do not preclude local newsrooms from pursuing digital priorities not spelled out here.
I welcome suggestions about points I’ve omitted here or better ways to make my points. I’ll update as I get suggestions.
Coverage and Storytelling
Live
Virtually all event coverage and breaking news coverage are handled as live coverage, with ScribbleLive, livetweeting, livestreaming, etc. This includes sports events, government meetings, trials, community festivals, etc. (more…)