Facebook makes a strong case for regional media
The global network that recently gave media companies a scare now plans to feature local news more frequently in the news feed.
Mark Zuckerberg has barely digested the announcement of the latest newsfeed update before he posts the next one. This time, however, the Facebook boss is belly brushing regional media. Instead of talking about restricting the distribution of non-private content, he is striking a completely different chord. In his Blogpost he says that local, high-quality and trustworthy news should appear more often in the newsfeed in future. "Our next update should ensure that Facebook is not only fun, but also good for wellbeing and society," Zuckerberg writes.
Last week, trustworthy sources were already upgraded, and now the small, regional media brands are also to be allowed to get involved. The update is a response to user feedback. "Local news helps us understand the issues that matter in our communities and impact our lives." According to studies, people who know what is happening around them are more likely to get involved and contribute to making a difference.
Is this to be understood as a rowing back towards media, as a declaration of love after stormy times - for example because media are emancipating themselves from social networks (see the current Advertising Week Editorial by Thomas Häusermann)? We can be curious. In any case, Zuckerberg is looking forward to "sharing more updates with us soon." (ank)
