Just a few weeks ago we published our map of Digital First Media community newsrooms. Already, we’re back with an update.
Earlier this month, the Los Angeles News Group opened ‘news lounges’ at two of its papers, the Pasadena Star-News and San Bernardino Sun. DFM Digital Transformations Editor Steve Buttry was there to capture the moment.
We spoke to LANG Vice President and Executive Editor Michael Anastasi about the openings, which both saw sizable community turnout:
What struck me at both was how critical a role our news organizations play as facilitators of community discussion. And of course there’s nothing new about that, we’ve always been a hub for community engagement, but it was so gratifying to have so many community leaders say that to us in person. The community needs us, and it is our responsibility to serve them.
Anastasi also tells us that plans are in the works for LANG’s next community newsroom at the Whittier Daily News in Whittier, Cali.
Mariel Garza, LANG opinion editor and head of community engagement, has already begun developing programming for the venues, like community discussions and workshops. You can tweet your ideas to her at @MarielGarzaLANG.
There are more pictures from the opening of the Pasadena facility by Steve and other LANG staff below, but first here’s a video of Mr. Twitter himself chatting with Frank Scandale, Digital First Media vice president of print production, about the new facility.
Steve Buttry & Frank Scandale at Sun news lounge.tout.com/m/a29tgn?ref=t…
— Michael Anastasi (@ma_anastasi) March 14, 2013
