Doing it right in Dallas

“Bridging Dallas’ North-South Gap” stands out as an outstanding example of “best practices” at work in the editorial sections of on line newspapers.  Described as a “crusade” by its editors, this ongoing project seeks to close the economic and social divides that have separated neighborhoods and peoples in this city for many years.

What is most impressive about this effort is it demonstrates how effective the use of multiple forms of information delivery can be. When used by editorial board that has determined it wants to play an active role as the catalyst for community change, maps, videos and interactive discussions give readers an opportunity to learn about the problems within their community and contribute to the solutions.

As a standing navigation link on the Dallasnews.com Opinion section - http://www.dallasnews.com/opinion/northsouth/ - the project is a many-faceted look at how an editorial staff can be a catalyst for change. It uses tools unique to the web to complement the well-edited and appropriately succinct text.

The centerpiece of the project was an interactive map (example above) which allowed the reader to navigate to strategically chosen neighborhoods identified as problem areas. The editors believed if problems within these areas could be resolved, the process could be replicated in surrounding neighborhoods.

Using tightly edited videos, photo-audio slide shows, still photographs and interactive maps, the project’s display is a perfect example of using each media form to its potential.

Typical of the coverage, the neighborhood section “West Dallas Gateway” not only describes issues found within one of the problem areas but also highlights the efforts of its residents to make things better.

Featured in a slide show (still images with audio) attached to the West Dallas section, Gerardo Romero describes the increase in his business since a new street and bridge have been built and community organizer talks about how new houses in the neighborhood translates into increased pride for the existing residents. Lopez, who is described by the editors as “exactly the kind of person needed..” in reference to their partners in the community, is typical of those who have renewed enthusiasm for change as a result of the editorial project.

Beyond the use of multimedia, a strength of this project, and something to be high on any “best practices” list, is the follow up the staff undertakes to be sure the project doesn’t drift into obscurity. A perfect example in this project is the “10 Drops in the Bucket,” list.

Initiated last December the “Bucket List” was a way for residents to identify neighborhood problems, and for the editors to define issues that might seem small at the individual level, but when seen as part of a larger trend, were likely a city-wide concern.

Just last week, the “Bucket” was updated with the editorial ”10 small improvements for southern Dallas” with descriptions and outcomes of each of the original problems. The “Bucket” will continue to fill and empty as the project continues.

As the summer progresses, this blog, will focus on a specific practice and present links to good examples you might find useful in your editorial situation.

The Knight Digital Media Center invites guest contributors to share their experiences with effective online editorials and commentary.

If you wish to share, please contact me at: . Please put “best practice” in the email subject line.

I look forward to hearing from you.