Betsy spoke with the editor & publisher of Portland Afoot, Mike Andersen, about his new venture – delivered first as a monthly publication via US Mail, then supplemented with news delivered online via website, wiki, or Twitter stream. He talked about how best to deliver narrowly-focused niche content to the community of interest, along with the challenges of balancing the dual roles of objective information provider and advocate for the low-car community. Jonathan Maus of Bike Portland did a great interview with Mike earlier as well.
They also talked about how the recent Trimet tragedy impacted Mike’s thinking about how best to provide information & the role that he plays as a one-man content provider covering breaking news alongside other local media outlets.
They then segued into a discussion of local news coverage in general, including Mike’s own perspective on the ‘four big ideas for local news startups’, shared on his site, Old Forest, New Trees. One excerpt:
But here’s something that many commentators don’t appreciate about local information markets, as opposed to national ones: local information is useful. Local information tells me where to apply for a job, where to go for fun and where not to walk after dark.
In a world where only the most relevant information gets read, media outlets need to be useful.
From there, the conversation led to more about the Oregon News Incubator, including the recent work done on behalf of the Portland Sentinel.
But to hear the stories of Mike’s exploits as a metal thief or panhandler? You’ll have to listen to the show itself…!
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