Local website and community publishers are being offered support via a new fund from Nesta’s Destination Local programme.
The programme, which previously shared out a £2.4m hyperlocal media fund to winning groups around the country including Leeds-based Hebe Media, now wants to invest in data skills among the community.
There’s currently around 500 websites, blogs and newspapers independently produced around the coutry that fall into what’s become known as ‘hyperlocal’ publishers – ie. delivering news and information for small geographical areas or communities.
Destination Local has been running for more than two years with initaitives intended to support them.
Announcing this latest call for funding bids today, the charity explained:
“….we know that many publishers are still not gathering and analysing data about their audiences. From speaking with a number of publishers across the UK, we know there are various reasons why this isn’t a priority: from not having enough time, to not understanding the value of audience analytics, to being anxious about using some of the web and social media tools available.
“In turn, many publishers aren’t effectively engaging with their local community nor do they truly understand their value proposition to advertisers or other local services.”
Funding is available for up to ten projects across the UK to be awarded up to £6,500 each.
The full funding call document is here and applications close on 5pm, Monday 10 August.
