Some Sunlight on the Local News Scene

I try to look at every new local news/information site out there – blogs, wikis, newspaper sites. First, because I once thought of starting a business in this area (I still do now and then, but then I lie down and it passes). But second, because so many local news sites are so bad, depending on repurposed, stale newspaper content, sporadic blogs, or hole-ridden databases of local information, stores and vendors. I’m always looking for someone who has taken a fresh look at the problem of creating a genuinely useful local site.

Here’s one that works: Richmond Sunlight. This site consolidates and organizes everything you might want to know about the Virginia State Legislature – not just a news blog, but a database of every single bill on the legislature’s agenda and where it stands, as well as every legislator and his or her activities. You can search for a specific bill, easily find all bills on a particular topic, or get a customized RSS alerting you to every bill a particular legislator sponsors. Of course, there are also ongoing discussions of the merits of particular bills (see this furious exchange on dog tethering). Best of all, it’s all pulled together in a simple, appealing and immediately understandable interface.

What’s the business model? It’s a nonprofit, started by a local blogger but now owned by the Virginia Interfaith Center, staffed (says the site) with volunteers. Does that mean this isn’t relevant to a for-profit local news business? Not at all. Far too many local sites are depending on producing news — as in articles. Instead, they should be trying to build local tools – on local issues, real estate, business, stores, events – that people will depend on for all sorts of business and personal reasons. What’s appealing about this site – a deep and integrated database, exceptional ease of use, and a clear focus – could be part of anyone’s local information business, maybe especially one where you’re trying to make money.