New workshop to help journalists go hyperlocal

A workshop to show journalists how to start their own hyperlocal newspapers is being launched in June.

‘Going Hyperlocal’ is the idea of Richard Coulter, the former assistant editor and chief sub of the Bristol Evening Post who now runs filtonvoice, his own hyperlocal print product, which launched last October.

Coulter has joined forces with Emma Cooper, who runs keynshamvoice near Bristol, and Steve Dyson, the former editor of the Birmingham Mail.

Calling themselves the Local Press Network, the trio are holding their first training workshop on Thursday 21 June in Filton, Bristol, charging £299 per delegate.

Coulter said: “There are a lot of negative vibes about the printed press, and much excitement about hyperlocal websites – but revenues in both are either declining or miniscule. What I’ve discovered is that there’s a healthy editorial and commercial appetite for a clever combination of the two – hyperlocal print products.

“I’m making a living with filtonvoice, and a second has now been launched by Emma, and we have decided to share our knowledge with other trained journalists and possibly media sales professionals looking to continue their trade but away from the big publishers.”

After the workshop day delegates will be able to join the Local Press Network which will offer a variety of services, including advice on production, printing, book-keeping, website development and national advertising.

• To book a place contact Emma Cooper on 07715 770448 or emma@keynshamvoice.co.uk