Editors and publishers from across Indiana are sharing examples of how their newspapers are covering the COVID-19 pandemic, how they are serving readers and advertisers. This list will be updated as a resource of ideas for how papers can present information and engage communities. Send your examples to Steve Key, skey@hspa.com.
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Western High School senior Halle Rizzo with her dog Ollie. The Kokomo Tribune’s Kelley Lafferty Gerber did a series of window portraits and Q&A’s with graduating high school seniors who were out of school due to the pandemic. See more about “The Quarantined Class of 2020” here.
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The Indianapolis Recorder, in conjunction with SpeakingJoy, brought together hair experts for a Facebook virtual meeting focused on hair care during the pandemic.
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The Paper of Wabash County is hosting “Couch Potato Trivia Night.” The Facebook Live event features prizes including restaurant gift cards plus 15-second advertising spots.
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The Times of Northwest Indiana is inviting “Regionite” readers to send in selfies with the face masks they’re using during the coronavirus outbreak.
The Herald Journal (Monticello) launched an e-learning photo contest to engage readers.
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America’s Newspapers has launched a marketing campaign, “Newspapers Have Your Back.” Print and digital ads as well as assets for social media available to download and use for free here. “Your readers are counting on you to bring them the news they need … when they need it. And, the importance of the work that you do has never been more critical.”
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The Indianapolis Business Journal launched a podcast, “Beyond COVID.” In the first episode, Matt Neff, an Indianapolis attorney, consultant and venture capitalist, offers advice for businesses trying to get back on track. And IBJ reporter Lindsey Erdody provides an update about Indiana’s stay-at-home order. Listen to the podcast here.
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The Indianapolis Recorder is organizing virtual town halls on its Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/IndyRecorder, to address concerns in the community. The events are sponsored by Eli Lilly & Co.
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The Paper of Wabash County organized a virtual Easter egg hunt for children and parents in the community.
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The Alabama Press Association is sharing spec ads you may use to try and sell to local advertisers. ABA’s Felicia Mason said, “Remind advertisers that newspapers are the prime source of reliable local news in your community, whether through print or digital products, in good times and in bad.” Access the customizable PDFs here.
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Whitewater Publications is posting Community Shout-outs on social media and will use them on their newspaper’s people page as something positive to share.
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The Newton County Enterprise/Brook Reporter/Morocco Courier are collecting letters and notes from teachers to their students for a special page of messages to help them keep in touch.
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The IndyStar is offering readers a platformwhere they can support their favorite local businesses by purchasing gift cards online.
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The Paper of Wabash County is using Facebook to ask readers for binge-worthy TV viewing recommendations.
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Hoosier Media Group/Hometown Media newspapers are publishing a free weekly restaurant carry-out, delivery directory for any restaurant within their marketing areas.
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This Facebook post invites readers to share thoughts on unsung heroes in the News & Review’s White County coverage area.
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The News and Tribune (Jeffersonville) is launching a Good Deeds are Noticed plan said publisher Bill Hanson. Local businesses and organizations that have reached out to help others with finances or resources in dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic are being offered a free 1/2 page ad as the paper’s way of saying thank you. See Hanson’s Facebook message here.
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The Columbus Republic provided graphics to readers from Columbus Regional Hospital explaining the effectiveness of social distancing. Read the Republic’s story, “Bracing for a surge: CRH urges physical distancing to avoid overwhelming hospital” here.
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To see the entire 12-page special section on COVID-19 from Hoosier Media Group/Hometown Media, clickhere.
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“I want to assure you we’re going to get through this together,” said Hoosier Media Group/Hometown Media President and CEO Don Hurd in a video message to readers that was shared on Facebook. View the 44-second video here.
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This page from Whitewater Publications contains messages from teachers to their students offering words of encouragement. “Hi boys and girls! I miss all of your smiling faces …”
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“To help our readers get some type of a sports fix we are running a Greatest Of All Time promo,” said Hoosier Media Group/Hometown Media President & CEO Don Hurd. Readers can participate via an online poll to nominate who they feel are the 50 GOAT athletes the papers’ coverage counties. The list will run in the papers and there are plans for sponsorship.
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The Paper of Montgomery County broadcast Gov. Eric Holcomb’s address to the state live on its website. It also invited readers to send in community updates.
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Click here to view a 2:35-minute animated graphic from Hoosier Media Group/Hometown Media explaining Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb’s stay-at-home order.
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The Indianapolis Star is offering COVID-19 updates as part of its breaking news alerts via email here.
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Click here for details on the Hoosier Times newspapers’ offer to provide free 1/4-page ads to area restaurants struggling through the stay-at-home order.
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Along with its coverage, The Daily Clintonian is reminding readers: “Support your local newspapers. We provide a vital service during any crisis!”
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As a way to engage with children, Ripley Publishing accepted entries for its Easter coloring contest where children 4-10 were invited to choose, color and submit a picture printed in the paper. Winners will receive an Easter basket full of goodies.
The Society of Professional Journalists offers an extended list of resources for Coronavirus-related issues on its Journalist Toolbox link.
The DART Center for Journalism and Trauma maintains a list of tips and best practices for covering COVID-19. From March 24-April 30, the center will offer training webinars on COVID-19 coverage.
