By now, the news of the death of Osama bin Laden is old news for many of our weekly news print products, but that doesn't mean we can't engage with our readers on the topic, and there are several ways to do this. Here are a few suggestions:
POLL QUESTION: Here is an example of poll questions relating to the death of Osama bin Laden.
- Do you think the death of Osama bin Laden will cause a dramatic decrease in worldwide terror?
Suggested answers: Yes, our world is now a safer place; No, I predict an increase in worldwide terror events as a reaction to bin Laden's death; His death will have no effect on worldwide terror.
If your website does not have a poll function, there are simple ways to fix that.
Use the free poll generator site — www.polldaddy.com. Make sure and sign up for the free account. Follow the prompts by typing in your question, the suggested answers, choosing your style and size, and then creating the poll. Then, an embed code will be generated. Copy that code, and then paste in a story on your Town News site. Publish with a headline: Today's Poll Question: Your view on the death of Osama bin Laden, and let the exchange of opinion begin.
OTHER WAYS TO ENGAGE READERS
- Encourage letters to the editor with a callout on your website.
- Conduct a MOS (Man on the Street) interview using video, getting feedback from at least five residents, and post on your website and print their response in the next print edition.
- Use social media sites (Facebook & Twitter) to generate reader comments and print the best in your next print edition.
Do you have another way to engage readers on this national story? If so, please share.
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A website for newsrooms and journalists throughout American Consolidated Media to use as a tool to improve local content and enhance engagement with the public they serve. The author of the website is Rick Rogers, director of product development for ACM, a 17-year newspaper and media veteran specializing in community journalism.
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