Tag Archive for Mainstream Media

Want to Create a Community or Neighborhood Site?

August 6, 2012 Education

Create Your Own Community or Neighborhood Site

Community sites are steadily growing as mainstream news sources continue to ignore the happenings in local communities. Also, community newspapers are short-staffed and can’t handle all the news in their neighborhoods. Luckily for you, you can help.

First, you can start your  own community newspaper or create a site where you  share information that’s most important to you. You can also post community news and information on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and Pinterest.

Second, you should answer the following questions prior to beginning:

  • Will you be doing it alone or will you have help?
  • How often will you post?
  • How will you promote your site?
  • Will you allow readers to upload their own stories, videos and photos?

Third, brainstorm content  and story ideas.  What would you like to share that’s relevant to the people in the community? As you can see, I selected  five topics that are important to me to share on this site. If you need help with getting ideas, buy 62 Blog Posts to Overcome Blogger’s Block.

Forth, how soon can you start? NOW. Just be sure you are committed to what you are doing and have lots of patience.

Remember, you are the best person to share the information in your community. And you have loads of FREE tools that will help you get this going.

Have you created a community or neighborhood site? What has been your experience?

 

Image: sharingbipolar

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Who’s Writing Stories About Your Community?

February 18, 2012 Shorty Says

Community News

Does your community have a newspaper?

Is there a blogger covering your neighborhood?

If you answered “no” or “I don’t know” to either question, you might want to look into it. If there isn’t one, consider creating at least a newsletter to get started.

Ok, I’m about to jump on my soapbox.

You do realize that mainstream media – Channels 2, 5, 7 and 32 – don’t give a hoot about your community? Unless they are sharing negative news and images, your neighborhood or anything good going on it, may not be covered. You may get a little coverage from Channel 9.

As you should be well aware right about now, no one cares about your community like you do.  And if you want good news, community events and other opportunities to spread, you have to ignite the fire. Yeah, I know leadership stinks to the high heavens, but you have to step out of your comfort zone if you want to get something done. And it won’t be easy.

Ok, I’m going to get off my soapbox now. I just wanted to plant the seed that if your community is not getting media coverage, than you may be the one to provide it. Otherwise, the only way people will know what’s happening in your community is by watching the mainstream media messages provided. And believe me, people judge you by what they see on TV whether it’s accurate or not. If you want change, you have to create it.

Again, I ask, who’s  writing stories about your community?

 

 

Image: karachicorner

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Things We Would Never Learn from Mainstream Media in Chicago

January 20, 2011 Shorty Says
Mainstream Media

Image: blogs.furman.edu

Following are lessons I learned from the Ethnic News Media workshop at Community Media Workshop. I am sharing this information not only to enlighten you, but to help you in your decision making in this upcoming mayoral and aldermanic race. I want to encourage you to REALLY listen to the people and determine which one has your best interest at heart.

Community Issues
• Community journalists need to discuss issues that are important to the people.
• There is an increase in crime in ALL communities in Chicago; not just the ones you see on TV. Check Every Block Chicago for specifics.
• Records show that whites are the minority in Chicago.
• Hunger in Illinois has increased greatly. There are more than 800,000 people receiving SNAP benefits.
• Many are people working living wage jobs with no way to fully provide for their families.

Politics
• Politics in Chicago is racially loaded.
• The voter turnout in black communities is approximately 30% and between 14% – 17% in Hispanic communities.
• There will be community redistricting based on census results. There will be further divisions in the city.
• Research your own data. Do not use what the politicians are saying.

Immigration
• Many immigrants are NOT undocumented.
• Many immigrants flew to the United States; they did not attempt to cross the border illegally.
• There are more Polish and Irish documentation violators, but they have political protection. Mexicans, Haitians and Africans are not the main culprits as mainstream media would have you to believe.

Chinese Issues
• Chinatown does not have its own ward. It is broken down into three different wards.
• There is a lack of Chinese representation in politics.

Foreclosures
• There are over 150,000 foreclosures in Illinois with approximately 60,000 of them in Chicago.
• In some communities, more than 50% of the homes on a block are foreclosed.
• There is a huge increase in the consolidation of families.
• DON’T leave your home if you receive a foreclosure notice. There is a lengthy process between the time you get that notice and the time you have to vacate.

Health Care
• Transportation on the South Side makes it difficult to get to Stroger hospital.
• There are very few trauma centers on the South Side of Chicago which could be deadly with the high rate of violence.
• Not confirmed by stated: people die in hospital waiting rooms waiting for care.

State Budget
• How many social service organizations are starved for funds?
• Who’s going to fight for those funds?
• Have banks lent money to these organizations so they can continue to operate and serve the community?

TIF Funds
• Do you know what TIF is? We need to find out what it is and what the funds are used for.

Schools
• An elected school board is being proposed because currently public schools are being run from the Mayor’s office.
• More understanding about charter schools is needed.
• Vote no to vouchers. They take money from public schools to give to private and Catholic schools.

General thought
• This whole election is being run from the White House.

What are your thoughts on these issues? Do you have any more to add?

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