Read on Twitter
Local businesses play an important role in the communities local news serve. Here are a few ways I've seen media try to support them amid the #COVID19 fallout.
1/ Gift cards. @gannett built a new way to buy gift cards to help and save local businesses. https://twitter.com/telkinsjr/status/1242079126518935552
2/ Free listings. @MahoningMatters is giving space to help local businesses communicate as the situation continues to change. https://twitter.com/mjenkins/status/1242869723831902210
3/ Ad inventory. @WhereByUs is offering this and "creative support in our newsletters for our neighbors, local businesses, and people working to support them." https://twitter.com/Jason/status/1241049481467924481
4/ Organizing support. @WCPO and others started a #TakeoutTuesday initiative, offer a map with restaurants offering takeout and delivery and are highlighting how they are adapting. https://twitter.com/EWScrippsCo/status/1242551900991557638
5/ Connecting to audiences. Local arts have their own business; @postandcourier started a virtual stage for local musicians who can't play in-person shows. https://twitter.com/chasscene/status/1242100863637884933
6/ Telling workers' stories. Businesses are made up of people, and news orgs like @WFYINews have highlighted those working to provide for others, or how people are supporting them. https://twitter.com/WFYINews/status/1239948407671787522
7/ Fundraisers. Local media can directly support restaurant workers and others through texting or other donation campaigns. https://twitter.com/melaniesill/status/1243142393341378560
8/ Inviting owners' stories. In Canada, @thediscourse and a few others created a call for small business owners to share the impact of #COVID19, which could identify leads and inform coverage. https://mailchi.mp/thediscourse/when-crisis-strikes-all-of-us-lets-not-overlook-the-most-vulnerable-the-discourse-monthly-6374344?e=9220704daa
9/ Guidance. In California, @berkeleyside is helping readers (and thus businesses) navigate store changes. https://twitter.com/dkiesow/status/1243718092892573697?s=21 https://twitter.com/dkiesow/status/1243718092892573697
10/ Partner. In PA, @billy_penn is partnering with a brewery for a virtual trivia night that also gives a discount (for curbside pickup) https://twitter.com/phillydesign/status/1244759523413417984?s=21 https://twitter.com/phillydesign/status/1244759523413417984
