CINCINNATI — The digitally distributed Scripps News information service owned by The E.W. Scripps Co. has launched a new initiative that the company says is designed to strengthen the relationship between journalists and consumers.
How? The aim is to give viewers more direct access to reporters and a clearer way to share the questions, concerns and story ideas that matter most in their communities.
The initiative, dubbed “Connect with Me,” reflects what Scripps calls “a broader vision” taking shape across a company undergoing a radical transformation under CEO Adam Symson.
“At a time when audiences are looking for more trust and authenticity, Scripps News is reinforcing journalism’s role as a public service by creating more direct lines of communication between reporters and the communities they cover,” the publicly traded company said on Thursday.
With “Connect With Me,” Scripps News is “moving beyond traditional audience feedback channels by creating direct lines of communication – text messaging and e-mail – to help audiences share questions, surface concerns and inform coverage in real time.”
The effort will see Scripps News correspondents now offer viewers dedicated text numbers and e-mail addresses.
In most modern-day newsrooms, an assignment editor usually handles external communication exclusively, with a single phone number. Websites have traditionally turned to a contact form when consumers have wanted to share a story or news tip with the station news team.
