The Rise of the Triangle Blog Blog: A Case Study in Progressive, Hyperlocal News

Picture this: It’s , and you’re craving some juicy local news in the charming town of Carrboro, North Carolina. You fire up your trusty search engine, hoping for a digital buffet of local happenings. Sure, a few crumbs pop up – a radio station website looking like it hasn’t seen an update since dial-up, a local ABC affiliate more interested in national headlines, and even a self-proclaimed “relentlessly local nonprofit newspaper.” But as you dig in, you get that sinking feeling – something’s off.

Carrboro, North Carolina – A Local News Desert?

That “relentlessly local” newspaper? Turns out their idea of transparency is about as clear as a mud puddle. The Local Reporter, we’re looking at you. Whispers around town link them to CHALT, a political group notorious for their “not in my backyard” attitude towards, well, pretty much any development. Affordable housing? Sustainable growth? Not if CHALT has anything to say about it.

And just like that, your craving for local news leaves you with a bad taste in your mouth. Who’s watching the watchdogs when the information itself feels skewed? Welcome to the frustrating reality of a “local news desert,” a phenomenon plaguing communities across the US.

Enter Melody Kramer and the Triangle Blog Blog

Now, let’s be real – most of us wouldn’t know a biased news source if it hit us with a rolled-up newspaper. But Melody Kramer isn’t most people. This former NPR staffer and current UNC-Chapel Hill employee has a nose for news, and something about The Local Reporter’s cozy relationship with CHALT set off alarm bells.

Kramer, deeply concerned about the impact of CHALT’s anti-development stance, especially on the dire need for affordable housing, decided enough was enough. In , she took a leap of faith and founded Triangle Blog Blog, a community-powered platform initially conceived as a way to pull the curtain back on The Local Reporter’s iffy practices. Little did she know, this digital David was about to sling a mean stone at the Goliath of local news.

From Humble Beginnings to a “Civic News Cooperative”

What started as a scrappy online haven for local news junkies quickly morphed into something far more impactful. Now operating under the rad banner of the nonprofit Shameful Nuisance (we see you, Melody, and we love the irony), Triangle Blog Blog is a hive of activity. Volunteer writers, many of whom are knee-deep in local politics and advocacy, churn out content that makes those old-school newspapers look like yesterday’s news.

We’re talking in-depth reports that make you go “hmm, didn’t know that,” school board and zoning meetings covered with the kind of scrutiny that makes corrupt officials sweat, and even, get this, residents inspired to throw their hats into the political ring! Who needs a superhero cape when you have a keyboard and a passion for truth-telling, amiright?

But here’s the real kicker – Triangle Blog Blog owns its progressive values. They’re not just reporting on the need for affordable housing, sustainable development, and equitable community engagement; they’re actively advocating for it. And guess what? People are here for it.

Kramer argues, and we’re inclined to agree, that this transparency is the secret sauce. While traditional outlets trip over themselves trying to walk a tightrope of neutrality (spoiler alert: true neutrality is a myth), the Blog Blog lays it all out there. They tell you what they believe, allowing readers to understand the lens through which the news is being filtered. Refreshing, much?

Impact and Challenges of a Volunteer-Run News Organization

Let’s be real, the impact of Triangle Blog Blog is undeniable. It’s like that friend who shows up with the perfect dish at a potluck – everyone’s talking about it, and suddenly, you can’t imagine the party without it. From boosting voter turnout (because informed citizens, duh!) to fielding school board candidates who actually reflect the community’s values, this little blog that could is making waves.

They’ve influenced zoning decisions (bye-bye, shady development deals!), exposed the murky world of local political spending (follow the money, folks!), and even broken news that left those traditional outlets scrambling to catch up. Who needs a fancy newsroom when you have a dedicated team of volunteers fueled by passion and a shared love for their community?

But here’s the catch- with great power comes, well, the challenge of keeping the lights on. While the Blog Blog thrives on the energy and dedication of its volunteers, Kramer acknowledges the elephant in the room – sustainability. You can’t run a news organization on good vibes and caffeine alone (although it helps!).

Paid positions, she believes, are crucial for long-term viability. But how do you secure funding when you’re not afraid to call a spade a spade, especially when those spades involve challenging the status quo? Traditional funders of nonprofit news, often wary of rocking the boat, might balk at the Blog Blog’s unapologetically progressive stance. It’s a tightrope walk between staying true to your values and navigating the often-murky waters of nonprofit funding.

Blurring the Lines: Traditional News Versus Civic Journalism

Triangle Blog Blog exists in this fascinating gray area between the buttoned-up world of traditional news and the more free-flowing realm of civic journalism. On one hand, they’re all about journalistic integrity – fact-checking like it’s an Olympic sport, sourcing their information with the meticulousness of a librarian, and issuing corrections with a transparency that would make even your grandma proud.

But here’s where things get interesting – they’re not afraid to embrace advocacy. Opinion pieces? Bring ’em on! Calls to action? You bet! The Blog Blog understands that informing the community isn’t enough; it’s about empowering them to shape their own narrative.

This hybrid approach has sparked a much-needed conversation about the evolving nature of local news. Can you be both a watchdog and an advocate? Can you report on the issues while also being part of the solution? The Blog Blog says yes, and frankly, we’re here for it.

The Future of Triangle Blog Blog: A Model for Others?

Despite its successes, Kramer sees Triangle Blog Blog as a temporary fix, a band-aid on the gaping wound left by the decline of local news. Her dream? A future where robust, well-funded newsrooms exist alongside community-driven platforms like hers, creating a vibrant and multifaceted local news ecosystem. Imagine a world where your news diet is as diverse and delicious as a perfectly curated cheese board – a little something for everyone.

The Blog Blog’s journey offers a beacon of hope for communities struggling to stay afloat in a sea of misinformation and shrinking news deserts. It’s a testament to the power of passionate individuals, armed with nothing more than laptops and a deep love for their community, to hold institutions accountable, amplify marginalized voices, and yes, even have a little fun while they’re at it.

But the story doesn’t end there. Triangle Blog Blog’s experiment with hyperlocal, progressive news is a call to action. It’s a reminder that we can’t rely on outdated models of journalism to serve our communities. We need sustainable funding models that support diverse forms of local news, particularly those brave enough to embrace transparency, challenge the status quo, and remind us that a better world is possible, one blog post at a time.