The Bivings Group, an Internet strategy and implementation firm,
released a list of 16 ways media outlets can use blogs. (Appropriately, the list appeared on The Bivings Group blog,
The Bivings Report.)
The list gives examples from newspapers and other media outlets that have used blogs in creative and/or effective, audience-building ways. “This is not a complete list of how the news media can use blogs, but it provides several ideas for journalists who are scratching their heads about how to launch blogs that serve a purpose other than as another distribution channel for content,” wrote Bivings blogger Steve Petersen.
In addition to using blogs to report on special interest topics and running articles that didn't appear in print, The Bivings Group suggested things that might make some publishers uncomfortable -- using blogs to provide newsroom transparancy or defend editorial judgement or positions, for example.
Though none of the examples are earth shattering for front-of-the-line digital media innovators, it's helpful to have this list of suggestions in front of you while brainstorming or evaluating your use of blogs.
Shameless plug: If you're looking for more examples, check out the
recent report on NAA's Growing Audience about the Spokane Spokesman-Review blogs.
Update: I just saw
this interview with the publisher of France's
Ouest France daily newspaper about that publication's use of blogs on The Editors Weblog.