What I've Been Reading: A new ad-funded future for independent UK journalism?

Plus the journalist who has been lifting the lid on the process of journalism on YouTube

Good evening,

Hope you’re having a good Wednesday - here’s a few bits I’ve spotted from around the digital media landscape to digest this Wednesday evening. Many thanks to

Laura Davis

who sent in something for inclusion too, and broke my filter bubble. You’ll see Laura’s inclusion later.

Let’s dive in for this week’s pieces and recommendations that have crossed my feed in the last week or so.

Partnership could unlock improved ad revenues for independent titles - PING - I can remember going to hyperlocal news meets back in late 2000s where talk was of trying to create a network of scale effect to gain a slice of greater ad revenues. Well, a step towards something taken this week as the Public Interest News Gateway (PING) takes the gloves off a partnership they’ve been working on with ad network Content Ignite. There’s some encouraging early signs in it giving a better way for local independent publishers to optimise their ad revenues, access higher quality adverts and more. Most of which would be out of reach for many as individual ad networks/agencies unlikely to give them a look. Well done to Matt, Sam and all the teams and titles involved. With Blog Preston we recently joined the Snack Media network, and saw a good step forward in yields and revenue from digital advertising, so it is encouraging to see others also reporting similar from this venture.

Entering Journo Mode, the South West journo showing others on YouTube - Michael Taylor - Well done to Mike who has hit 100k views and 1,000 subscribers on the video channel where he gives tips on finding stories and explains the process of journalism.

There’s some great videos on here, and his explainer on behind the scenes of covering the general election is a superb in-depth watch from deepest Dorset.

The rise of Cocoa Girl and Cocoa Boy magazine - Jem Collins, Positive News - thanks to Laura for sharing this, an uplifting read about the great work Serlina Boyd and others are doing to give young black children and particularly women a voice in the UK. It's a timely reminder of the power of journalism, its ability to engage and also highlight a problem. What I like most, is it's a great example of someone doing something about it and also building a business from an idea. It also reminded me to not just go to the same sources all the time, so I’m going to spend some time this summer seeking out some fresh reads. All suggestions welcome!

And finally, a plug for something I’ve written recently - as

Behind Local News

asked if I’d write a few words about what we did for The Lead during the general election where 11-editions were produced a break-neck speed across the North of England.

As always - if you spot something you think I should be including then drop me a line ed@almaonline.co.uk and this newsletter takes a pause next week as the school holidays begin here in the UK so I’ll be back on Wednesday 31 July with my latest round-up.

Thanks for continuing to read, subscribe and feel free to spread the word if you find this digest useful.

Enjoy the rest of your evening. Keep going.

Ed