CBH Facebook Live adds new dimension to the news
MOSES LAKE — The Columbia Basin Herald is taking its news gathering process to another level with the addition of CBH Facebook Live broadcasts.
CBH journalists have begun shooting live footage from city and county meetings, community plays and productions and sporting events to give its audience instant access in an instant-access world.
Viewers following the CBH Facebook will be able to see the action live as it happens. A short, impromptu clip with the Herald business and sports writer attracted an online audience of 13 viewers during the five-minute interview. Herald managing editor Lynne Lynch’s live stream of the Knolls Vista Christmas program reached right around 2,000 people. County reporter Charles H. Featherstone’s stream on the school bond at Sage Point Elementary School reached a little under 3,500 people. With further recognition and attraction, the Columbia Basin Herald hopes to make CBH Facebook a part of its readership’s daily routine.
"We recognize that newspapers haven't done a great job at connecting with the next generation of readers and I believe that creating engaging and relevant content will be key to our growth. Everyone has a story to tell and I see this story unfolding a little differently than it typically does in print." said Eric LaFontaine, Columbia Basin Publishing Co. publisher. "Telling the story in a very raw and emotional way really connects readers more with the things that are important to them.
“The feedback I've seen with our live streams really gives the reader and viewing audience a closer connection with the story. It's almost like you're there experiencing the story with more connectivity to the subject.”
The ability to go live for breaking news on Facebook, then follow the story in the printed edition as well as Facebook and Twitter gives the Columbia Basin Herald’s readership the total package. It also gives viewers an instant access to breaking news as it unfolds.
“I believe that if a person wants to stay up to date on any given activity, the information should be made available to them as soon as possible,” said Columbia Basin Publishing Digital Team member Pauly Walle. “The advantage of live video is that we can bring the audience to the action as it is happening in real time. Right now, live video is the fastest and most effective way for someone to be informed on any given activity.”
It also gives the CBH a chance to bring life to community projects like school plays or dance company productions. The arrival of the new Mitsubishi Aircraft MRJ can now be viewed live on a broadcast, which will remain on the site for historical purposes under the video section.
Sporting events suddenly turn into mass media events where people in the stands can join in live on what they see on the wrestling mat or basketball floor. Interviews with players will take on a whole different perspective.
The CBH Facebook Live broadcasts will enhance what the Herald has done for years, connect with a community moving forward together.
“We'd love to hear reader feedback on what they would like to see, how much and how often,” said Lynne Lynch, Columbia Basin Herald managing editor. “So far, we've received good reactions from sports and school music videos posted recently. We're open to shooting at different events, but of course, would love readers to comment, like and share on what we're posting."
Rodney Harwood can be reached at 509-765-4561 ext. 111 or businessag@columbiabasinherald.com.