Macquarie Radio Network’s digital family continues to grow with the addition of its new platform StreetCorner.com.au a community news site where users publish news and opinion or place classified ads for free. Businesses can access a free business directory, and community groups are promote their events and services on the site.
MRN CEO Angela Clark has told radioinfo:
“We have been following trends in on-line ‘hyper local’ content recently and decided that it was time to launch a platform that serviced the needs of local communities. We focus on local issues on radio, but on-line we can add additional features such as classifieds and directories and give the community more control by letting them publish stories on the issues that have the most impact in their neighbourhoods.”
Macquarie Radio Network noted the significant appreciation of local content in the recent community radio survey, reported this week on radioinfo, and is confident that this site will also become a valuable and appreciated resource for local communities.
The site launched this week. Western Sydney is the first StreetCorner location, covering Parramatta, Bankstown, Auburn, Fairfield, Holroyd and everything in between. MRN will be rolling out other Sydney locations in the coming months.
Streetcorner aims to create an environment where residents can ‘talk’ about their local community, whether that be concerns about new developments, social problems in the neighbourhood or stories about local personalities.
Clark says the company named the area where everyone is free to post stories as ‘The StreetCorner’ hoping that it will become a place where people meet to share news and information. ‘The StreetCorner’ will be whatever people want it to be. “The local community will control what is discussed and everyone is welcome to contribute,” says Clarke.
The site will also feature daily breaking news, providing the community with local news without having to wait for the weekly paper to be delivered. StreetCorner journalists “will be posting news as it happens so local residents can stay informed and comment on stories as they break.”
Free business directories and classifieds, which have been a good money pinner for newspapers as thery moved online, are also an integral part of Streetcorner.com.au.
Businesses can list at no charge on the site in the Business Directory where all listings can be reviewed and ranked by the public, with the option for business to upgrade to a premium listing. Likewise, streetcorner will offer free consumer-to-consumer classified listings, so the site will benefit both business and the general public in tough economic times. Local businesses can place job ads, real estate agents or private owners can list their real estate, motor vehicles can be advertised and people can sell their household goods, all at no charge.
MRN believes the free business directories and classifieds will deliver “incredible value for the local community.” Clarke company believes this is an Australian first for news site backed by a mainstream media organisation.
Angela Clark has told radioinfo:
“Macquarie Radio Network’s key competitive advantage is its strength in local content and opinion. Streetcorner is a natural extension of our passion for community issues and our desire to support local businesses. We will be promoting the site on 2GB and 2CH and across our on-line portfolio, including LIVENEWS.com.au and Rugbyleaguelive.com.”
MRN’s digital portfolio includes LiveNews.com.au, 2GB.com and RugbyLeagueLive.com, all of which have experienced considerable growth in 2007 –2008 financial year with Unique Browsers up by 262% across the three sites.