b° local

uniten

uniten unterstützt die Transformation der Medienbranche mit Performance Analytics Technologie. Kennzahlen zur Leseintensität, dem Leseranteil und den Clickouts auf Content- und Segmentebene geben tiefen Einblick, wie sich Lösungsorientierung auf den Erfolg beim Publikum und die Haltbarkeit von Digital-Abos auswirkt. Die uniten-Software lässt sich mit minimalem Aufwand integrieren, ist intuitiv bedienbar und kann auf die Bedürfnisse einzelner User im Unternehmen abgestimmt werden.

Studies and user analyses have consistently conveyed a clear message for years: The path to success in journalism lies in content that provides genuine added value to users. If local journalism fails to process and narrate the major issues of our time in a way that connects to the lived realities of people on the ground, it risks becoming irrelevant. Additionally, a repetitive focus on problems offers little value and is challenging to monetize.

However, newsrooms that prioritize solutions-oriented coverage report increased user engagement and more intensive usage. These effects were measured in the project "Solution Journalism in Local Contexts," implemented by the Bonn Institute in cooperation with Rheinische Post. Such approaches hold immense potential, especially for subscription models.

Building on these insights, the program b° local, which was developed by VDL, the Bonn Institute, and uniten, equips newsrooms for local reporting that benefits both audiences and publishers alike.

The b° local program includes the following services:

• Kick-off call for editors-in-chief and management (2 hours, online)
• Joint intensive workshop (1.5 days in person) for project teams, including a deep dive into solutions-oriented reporting
• Ten-month intensive training in solutions-oriented journalism
• Digital check-ins (every 3 weeks, 90 minutes each) for knowledge sharing and exchange of experiences
• Digital learning environment for group interaction and collaboration
• Regular consultation hours to address open questions
• Two individual coaching sessions per team
• Networking event at the b° future festival 2026
• Toolbox for sharing acquired knowledge within your newsroom
• Newsroom visits and on-the-job coaching (optional)

Project timeline

• Kick-off Call for editors-in-chief and management (2 hours, online): Introduction to the program, solutions journalism, and monetization.
• Intensive Workshop for participants from editorial, distribution, and user analytics teams (1.5 days in person): Introduction to solutions-oriented local journalism, exploring the connection between solutions journalism and conversion, retention, and engagement, as well as defining editorial focus areas.
• Digital Check-ins (every 3 weeks, 90 minutes each): Modular, practice-oriented knowledge transfer, text work and analysis, and peer exchange. Digital follow-ups to ensure sustainable transformation success.
• Optional: Newsroom visits and one-on-one coaching sessions by senior advisors from the Bonn Institute.
• Presentation: Final workshop and in-person presentation of results.
• Project Conclusion: Documentation of key learnings in the form of a toolbox.

Participants

The ten-month innovation program b° local is aimed at local publishers who want to align their offerings more closely with audience needs, improve digital subscription retention, and reach new target groups. Each team may include up to three participants. At least one team member should be based in the editorial department. Editors-in-chief and publishing management will be actively involved in the program to ensure its long-term success.

Duration

The innovation program “b° local – With Solutions-Oriented Journalism to Success” runs for ten months and begins in February 2025. Participation is limited. Participating publishers pay a monthly fee per team. Discounted spots are reserved for titles that are members of the Association of Local Newspapers and Local Media or the Swiss Media Publishers Association.