KTKA-TV, the ABC affiliate in Topeka, Kan., has a different approach to Twitter than most local stations.
They have been asking their followers for contributions (weather photos, etc.) and getting viewer opinions on local stories through their Tweets.
It’s a new way to look at relationships and news. It’s a conversation between viewers and gatekeepers.
It’s also a necessary approach, seeing as Twitter often beats news outlets to the punch in breaking news situations (eg: Hudson plane crash).
What makes this effort stand out even more is the producer in charge, Fally Afani, wrote a story and posted a video on how their viewers can sign up for Twitter and participate.
Not only are they becoming more active in social media, but encouraging their viewers to do the same with step-by-step instructions.
Have you seen any local news organizations doing the same thing?
