The first of the weekly discussion topics set by LSJ Bloggers is on the subject of Hyperlocal Journalism, and whether it could work in Lincoln.

I’ve written about the new Guardian Local scheme, which subsidises bloggers to be hyperlocal journalists – and I think it could work here.

Currently, I’m not aware of any hyperlocal bloggers in any areas of Lincoln. So, the only media really serving the area is the Lincolnshire Echo, Lincs FM, BBC Lincolnshire, Siren FM and The Linc. Three of those serve the whole of Lincolnshire, and the other two are University of Lincoln outlets, which will occasionally, but by no means always, focus on local issues.

Given that the Lincolnshire Echo, BBC and Lincs FM will not have the manpower to cover every Lincoln City Council meeting, or every residents association meeting – that leaves a lot of material uncovered.

The area of Lincoln which I believe would most benefit from, and indeed it would be most popular in, is the West End. This is an area which is a hive of activity from residents. It has WERA (West End Residents’ Association), Carholme Community Forum, Long Leys Residents’ Association, there’s one to do with the West Common – I could go on as I know there are many more, but I can’t remember specific names. All of the meetings of these various groups and associations, which will have interest and impact regarding West End residents, go without mention. In my opinion, a blog which covered all of these would be very popular, because, from what I perceive, this is an area in which residents are fairly active and vocal when it comes to local issues/politics.

On top of these, meetings at the City and County Councils, whereby discussions relevant to the West End of Lincoln will take place, can be attended and reported on. This aids transparency and accountability, as it will hold these authorities up for the scrutiny they deserve and so dearly need. You can do what the other media can’t.

I’m not sure if it would work over at the South End, or in the East End as they don’t have the same kind of emphasis on participation in local democracy from residents (I know, I know – ‘democracy’ is probably too strong a word). But, in the West End, where residents seem to actually care about what happens in their community, a hyperlocal blog could be a very viable option.

It could even provide a good wage  for someone. I can’t find the exact figures for the population in the West End, but I’d estimate it would be between 15-20,000. That’s quite a big audience, and if you can build up a good following by keeping your blog fresh and regularly updated, topped with a bit of promotion and marketing – there could be quite a potential for advertising revenue.

Hyperlocal could work in Lincoln, in the West End, and I’d like to see it happen. Hey, it could maybe even be a business opportunity for an out-of-work journalism graduate from the University of Lincoln!