A growing trend in news media that is usually published very informally, often lacking fact checking and research on behalf of the writer, who is usually not a professional. These self moderated citizen media include websites and blogs and other online outlets that allow real time news to break and develop as readers comment and start conversations about the topic.
In any case, hyperlocal is another buzz word that has become mainstream the past couple of years, mainly to rise of social media and the insatiable curiosity to know what’s going around us, even if we don’t really care to get to know our neighbors.
With news media going hyperlocal, it’s easy for PR people to target very, very specific self-proclaimed journalists who report on their area; from traffic incidents, school plays, community events, yard sales, store openings, and even some odd stories, like bear sightings if you live in the woods, or if you live in my town, you can learn everything about our feral cat problem.
I am not sure how much PR pros would benefit from pitching hyperlocal independent writers in the long run. They are certainly entertaining, but I remain uncertain about their credibility. That said, I do think that hyperlocal news do have the potential to develop credible stories with the right people facilitating and reporting the news - even if that means taking five-ten minutes longer to confirm sources and facts.