Alma

Last week, Ed Walker was on a panel discussing the potential (and likely) impact of AI on community and local journalism... ...which got him thinking - there are some key considerations that affect digital content businesses of all shapes and sizes. The result is our latest blog post: 6 ways to approach AI if you're a digital content business. Want to read the whole thing? Check it out on our website: https://lnkd.in/ebKidmmX #AI #AudienceDevelopment #DigitalContent #Comms #Journalism

A flying visit to London yesterday to take part in a panel on the future of community/local journalism in the age of AI at the IPSO (Independent Press Standards Organisation) conference - a really interesting discussion superbly chaired by Kavita Reddi with great insights from Robert Barman, Alison Gow, Charlie Beckett and Graham Huband I've shared some reflections below on some key takeaways for me And thanks to François Nel for papping Alison and I(!). #journalism #localjournalism #media #ai #localnews #localmedia

Our director Ed Walker recently gave his thoughts on both established and independent local media in the UK to the Local News Commission. The group established by the Public Interest News Foundation - made up of experienced professionals from across the UK's charity, community, government, film-making and other creative and community sectors - was visiting Manchester to hear from news providers in the North of England. Ed spoke about his experiences setting up (and continuing to maintain after 15 years) independent news title Blog Preston, his extensive time working across Reach plc local and regional portfolio of titles and most recently launching new newsletters and hyperlocal titles for The Lead. See more on Ed's experiences: https://lnkd.in/eU_dRNPr And more about the Local News Commission: https://lnkd.in/enxNMJ7U #media #localmedia #localnews #journalism #digitaljournalism

A win from this week: We’re teaching a module to third-year journalism and international journalism students at UCLan this semester. It’s one of the more fun modules, too. It’s a win because I studied at UCLan a decade ago (I’m old) and it feels a bit surreal but a bit special to go back with wisdom to impart. I’m enjoying the opportunity, it means something to me. If I was lame this post would say “back to my old stomping ground” but I’m not so it doesn’t.

The evolving nature of media - how do we keep up & continue to build strong relationships? As you can imagine, all three of our Directors have a lot to say on this topic, but this time it was Shirah Bamber who joined Yakub Qureshi and Jason Gibbins on a panel for the LGcomms Academy yesterday in Wigan. It was a great conversation, that could have gone on a lot longer! #Media #Comms #Journalism

Was a pleasure to play a small part in this and meet a host of publishers from across Europe and help them look at how they could develop and accelerate their very diverse business models in the local media space

What's an Innovation Ambassador? That's what everyone asks when they hear about the work I'm doing with Preston Innovates for Preston City Council. Last week I sat down with Simon Guerrier from Public Sector News Network to talk about what I'm up to. https://lnkd.in/eJ5ubuvA #PrestonInnovates #Innovation

The news cycle may have moved on from the August riots - but the communities most affected by them have not. How journalists and the titles they represent move forward from this point will tell readers a lot, Luke Beardsworth writes. For local titles, doing nothing shouldn't be an option. #journalism #disinformation #socialmedia #southport

Preston City Council has appointed an Innovation Ambassador, Shirah Bamber. The role has been developed in response to the recent “Nurturing Preston’s Innovation Ecosystem” report published by Plexal. The report, commissioned by Preston Partnership and funded through Lancashire County Council, said: “Preston has all the ingredients needed for a successful innovation, however, action is needed to draw together into a coherent and well-signposted ecosystem.” Shirah Bamber who co-founded Alma, a Preston-based consultancy, has been appointed as Innovation Ambassador to represent Preston and raise its profile as a hub for innovation, cyber, tech and digital businesses. She will be acting as the single point of contact and will engage with the digital, tech, and innovation community across the city to identify opportunities for collaboration, good news stories, and further development. Shirah said: “This is a really exciting project to be working on, and one that I feel strongly about as a local resident, business owner, and mother of teenage children who are currently considering their career options.”     “Preston has so much potential, and I am looking forward to working with the different businesses, agencies, and organisations who are already fostering innovation, community building, and promoting this sector across the city, and region.”  She has had more than a decade of experience, working in senior roles for organisations such as The Foxton Centre, Preston City Council, and Network Plus - giving her an extensive network of contacts across the city. Businesses and organisations who work within technology, cyber, and innovation can connect with Shirah on LinkedIn or [email protected]. 

Shirah Bamber attended this fascinating peek at the burgeoning cyber (or digital, if you prefer) economy in Lancashire, opportunities & challenges. It was great to hear perspectives from a number of Lancashire businesses and institutions.