New York Times Drops Its Hyperlocal Experiment
by Matt on Jun 30, 2010 in Industry
Here’s a change of pace: One of the big guys is getting out of the hyperlocal blogging business. The New York Times revealed today that it’s closing the doors of The Local, its pair of hyperlocal sites in New Jersey. The sites are being handed over to Baristanet, possibly the original hyperlocal blog.
The Times was one of the first major media outlets to try hyperlocal blogging/journalism, and when they first announced The Local, there was a fair amount of criticism. Some questioned the decision to try to cover three unique towns with a single blog; others questioned the decision not to launch each blog on its own domain (they were launched under the nytimes.com domain). And I pointed out the oddity of launching The Local on a URL that had the word “marketing” in it.
In its announcement, the Times talks about The Local being an “experiment” and mentions “lessons learned,” but I’m struck by this point they make about the capabilities of citizen journalists/bloggers:
From its launch on March 2, 2009, the heart of The Local has been our contributors, who taught us that communities are filled with talented, civic-minded, interested and interesting people who have much to offer in the way of local coverage. We are spreading that message far and wide, encouraging other journalists and news organizations — and other citizens — to venture down this path.
Quite a contrast to the recent editorial in my small-town newspaper, isn’t it?
I’d suggest you read more about this on Mediagazer, which has reactions from a handful of other sites, too. (thx to Nancy for the tip)
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And with this, it appears NY Times is mimicking one of the most universal traits of hyperlocal blogs: throwing in the towel before the two-year mark.
That’s not a hyperlocal trend, Ned. I’d bet good money that goes for any and all blogs. It also goes for traditional media, too. We had a second newspaper startup in this area some years ago, and I don’t think they lasted more than 2-3 months.
Geez, not around here.
We’ll mark five years before 2010 is out (three as a business, as of this fall).
Capitol Hill Seattle is almost as old.
My Ballard was founded three years ago.
I’m pretty sure Central District News is around 3.
And I know there are others around here that already have the 2-year mark in their rearview mirror.
Funny, though, Tina Kelley – who I didn’t know had left The Local in December, till I read it in the shutdown articles this week – came out here to do some major research before the Times started the project. I know she talked to many of us “old timers” – I am pretty stridently opposed to big media mucking up neighborhood news, but somehow she charmed us into sitting down with her over coffee.
Onward! And congrats again to the Baristanet gals, trailblazing role models for us all – what are they in now, year seven?
We’ve also passed the two-year mark, and you’re right, it isn’t just hyperlocal sites that teeter off by two years. Nor is it the professional efforts that end up doing that, usually. But those that do it for the fun or the passion seem to give up once the responsibilities outgrow the enjoyment.
As for the Times handing off the Local to Baristanet, I’m curious what was given in exchange for that endorsement (I call it that as it doesn’t seem they’re giving their domain or editorial and advertising contacts – just a “Hey, get continuing local coverage from these guys!”). Is Baristanet paying for that? Or is Times just trying to irk AOL Patch, which is the only other corporate competitor in those towns?