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VIDEOWill Google "Patch" Save Newspapers?
By
Scott Reeves Feb 18, 2009 8:45 am
Company's start-up has local reporters covering local news.
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The best did it with authority, wit and sharp writing.
Then came that Internet thing-y and major newspapers companies, including McClatchy (MNI), Gannett (GCI) and even the New York Times (NYT) were forced to cut staff and reduce the number of pages devoted to news stories as readers moved online for same-day reports and immediate updates.
How ironic would it be if an Internet company proved to be the salvation of newspapers, or at least what small and regional newspapers do best - cover local news?
Tim Armstrong, a semi-grand poohbah handling advertising at Google (GOOG), backs a startup called Patch with his personal investment fund. His goal: have local reporters cover their community for local readers in an effort to hold local government accountable.
Patch is now available only in 3 towns in New Jersey - Maplewood, Milburn and South Orange. None would be confused with Paris (or even Fresno), but the website for each is alive with local news. Readers of South Orange Patch can click to stories headlined "Expanded Jitney Service," "Update: Midtown Direct Back to Regular Service," "Comcast Offers Free Wi-Fi at South Orange Rail Station" and "Skateboarders Escape the Cold."
The last story, written by Cotton Delo (no relation to a preacher named Mather) is 3 paragraphs:
Three South Orange Middle School eighth graders practiced their skateboarding moves in the lobby of the South Orange train station on Wednesday afternoon. They said they chose the location for its warmth.
The closest outdoor facility that's actually set up for skating is Maplecrest Park off Springfield Avenue in Maplewood, they said.
Where do you see local kids skateboarding?
The story includes 2 pictures of kids with skateboards, a Google map in case you've forgotten the location of the train station, and lots of room on the page for future advertising.
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