Czech Republic tries out a new idea in journalism that just might work... or will it? (Hyperlocal Journalism)

Last June, PPF launched four pilot publications across diverse districts of the country. The ventures, called Nase Adresa or “our address” have three components: weekly newspapers distributed every Monday, interactive websites and news cafes.

While web and print platforms are typical fodder for Ink + Beyond delegates, the idea of news cafes may be a bit less familiar.

The idea is to create a newsroom environment where as little separation as possible exists between those reporting the news and those consuming it. To break down that wall his company developed news cafes – newsrooms containing public cafes, where community members are encouraged to drop in, share their ideas and even contribute to the publication.

“We use these cafes as community centres,” he said. “There’s a much better understanding of community life for our editorial staff because there are no barriers.”

The cafes don’t just quench caffeine cravings, either. Each newsroom frequently holds community events like concerts or dance lessons, often attracting hundreds of people from the area.

The novel newsrooms create a unique connection between consumers and the Nase Adresa brand, said Gallo. “It creates trust.”

via thestar.blogs.com

Sounds like a neat idea, doesn't it? I LOVE the idea of a "news cafe." It sounds like a news website, only in person--very cool.

HOWEVER, I'm still a little fuzzy on how they make their money, but the article goes on:

Gallo says this new revenue model also relies on the funds generated by Futuroom, PPF’s training and knowledge facility that develops infographics and interactive models for multimedia publications in larger markets.

Huh? So, you still give news away for free but sell these infographics on the side to bigger magazines?

I don't get how this is sustainable. Or how this will help the industry of Journalism, in general.

I mean, you might as well just overcharge for the coffee and take half the profits to pay for the employees and the other half to pay for the journalism.

...now THAT might be an idea!

It's not like people aren't used to being overcharged for coffee, right? Now I just need to find a bunch of journalists who don't mind being underpaid!!

Well, that shouldn't be too hard--just wait a while. ;)

:(

Posted via web from thepete's posterous