Bloggers To Write Local News

The Guardian Newspaper has confirmed that it will be hiring Bloggers for its local news service. The announcement by the paper that it was looking to hire qualified bloggers who could cover "community news and report on local developments" is a strong indication of the publishers acceptance that "citizen reporters" hold a legitimate place in the news gathering process. The Guardian has said that it will commence with Leeds, Cardiff and Edinburgh, but that they are planning to launch similar local news projects across a number of locations.

Brand Republic reported Emily Bell, director of digital development at Guardian News & Media, as saying: "Guardian Local is a small-scale experimental approach to local newsgathering. We are focusing on three politically engaged cities and we expect to launch in early 2010."

The Guardian are not however the only publication going in this direction. The Guardian will join a growing list of national UK publishers who are looking to tap into the local market. The Mirror Group recently launched more than 100 hyper-local websites that serve specific UK postcodes, with user generated content, while Associated Northcliffe Digital launched a local project with 50 regional news sites allowing people to write and upload their own content.

"Guardian Local is a small-scale experimental approach to local newsgathering. We are focusing on three politically engaged cities and we expect to launch in early 2010," said Bell. Sarah Hartley, the Guardian Local launch editor said: "While researching developments at the grassroots of community journalism, I've been impressed by the range and depth of coverage from local websites and blogs. This experimental project reflects both the shifting nature of journalism and the reality on the ground."

The Guardian has stated that the Bloggers they are looking for will have journalistic qualifications.

National Australia Bank: Little Wonders

I found this great video over on Digital? Marketing? Blog! (via AdWeek) of The National Australia Bank's latest tv commercial, "Little Wonders". The ad uses some really sweet tilt-shift filming. I just love the effect so much - really nice.

Twitter in Talks with Google and Microsoft

According to an article on All Things Digital, Twitter is reportedly in talks with Google and Microsoft about integrating its real-time search results into their respective search engines.

While it is currently possible to see Tweets in Google and Bing, the deal in question would see the search companies gain access to a full feed from Twitter. This would allow them to fully index all tweets. Apparently Twitter is talking to Google and Microsoft separately about data-mining deals, which could see one of the search engines gaining a massive advantage over the competition should there be any exclusivity. However, talks are said to be at a very early stage, with Twitter exploring all opportunities.

This news follows the recent report that Twitter raised another $100 million in new funding, to add to the previous $55 million. The fund raising has given Twitter a $1bn market valuation.

Irish Web Awards 2009

Last night the 2009 Irish Web Awards were held in the Radisson Blu Royal Hotel. The awards are run by Damien Mulley and are just about the best awards ceremony you could ever go to. I feel safe saying that this is the only awards that you are guaranteed to have a brilliant time. The award's MC for the evening was Rick O'Shea, who did a stellar job.

Here are two videos from the evening:

Serious Sam HD - Super Happy Fun Time Mode

My mate Gavin sent me this and it just seems appropriate for a Sunday afternoon. Enjoy