Behind the scenes at Metro Connection

May's NetSquared meeting was a behind the scenes look at WAMU's Metro Connecton. Producer Tara Boyle and host Rebecca Sheir explained how they and their team of freelance reporters put together they show. A theme is chosen and they work up a series of stories connected to that theme.

For sources they use the Public Insight Network, a database of individuals who are available to be sources. Anyone can list themselves. In the past they have used sources like Help A Reporter Out, but found it unwieldy. As a flack, I too have found it unwieldy.

They also spoke about their use of their website and social media. Their website has evolved and continues to do so. They now want it to be a news source as well as hosting a mix of audio, text, and videos. While most of their audience continues to be on the air, they are pleased with the growth of their online audience. They have a Facebook page and a Twitter feed. It seems that the Facebook page is more for audience engagement while Twitter is also used for research and identifying possible sources. Sheir described Twitter as more diverse because it is all public. She noted with some displeasure that Facebook wants you to pay just to reach out to your subscribers. I share her displeasure.

Edit -
Joe Logon writes his account of the evening: So That's What They Look Like: Behind the Scenes of WAMU's Metro Connection (NetSquared DC Meetup)

Elijah's blog at NetSquared

Student Movement for Real Change

Tonight’s meeting of NetSquared featured presentation by the Student Movement for Real Change.

From their website:

Student Movement for Real Change (SMRC) empowers a generation of young leaders to identify and develop sustainable solutions to health and education in partnership with developing communities.

It takes a great deal of courage to get up in front of a group like that and ask to have one’s website critiqued. The ensuing discussion was very informative to anyone with an interest in the role of online communications in building a non-profit organization.

Special thanks to Affinity Lab for hosting the meeting and Genius Rocket for providing the food and drink.

Edit -
Joe Flood has a more detailed account of the evening.

Change.gov: the people's briefing book

Users create a briefing book for Obama

The government should expand broadband access to every American so the country can stay at the forefront of technological advancements, a person who goes by Jesse E. has recommended to President-elect Barack Obama on Change.gov.

The suggestion is part of an program to get ideas from the public on priorities for the coming years. Jesse E.'s recommendation of Jan. 12 could be included among numerous others in a "Citizen’s Briefing Book" to be delivered to Obama on Jan. 20 when he officially takes office, according to Change.gov.

Clearly Obama is going to continue to plow new ground in the use of social media for building support and collecting feedback. At last night's meeting of NetSquared DC Nathaniel James of the Media and Democracy Coalition talked about their meetings with the transition team, and it was clear that Obama has big plans for expanding broadband access, especially to under served populations. This can only be a good thing for the rest of us.