Shortlisted again
ONLINE news service Shetland News has been shortlisted once again for a media award.
On Thursday the small web-only operation was named alongside Scotland’s biggest papers including The Herald, Sunday Herald and The Scotsman as being in the running for Innovation of the Year in the Scottish Press Awards.
Shetland News partner Hans J Marter said he was particularly pleased to be recognised in this category.
“Shetland News is not supported by a printed newspaper and with no plans for a paywall, all our income has come from local advertising,” he said.
“Last year, we managed to negotiate an unique online advertising deal with Shetland Islands Council. “
We believe this is the first time anywhere in Scotland that a local authority has shifted some of its advertising to purely online based publication in order to reach a wider audience.”
Shetland News has also developed a unique real time transport information system with the council’s transport department.
In their entry the website also highlighted its live coverage of significant events such as the school closure debates in the council chamber and the helicopter crash off Sumburgh, as well as its Scottish referendum debate pages.
Fellow partner Pete Bevington added: “Local news in the digital age is one of the most challenging areas for businesses to work in.
“Shetland News is unique in that it depends entirely on local advertising without the support of a printed publication behind it.
“To survive and thrive is extremely tough, especially in Shetland’s highly competitive news environment, and the only way to keep up is to keep innovating.
“We would like to thank the growing team at Shetland News, including our web designer Clement Duncan, advertising manager Chloe Mackie and admin assistant Susan Boardman, who have all helped make the site the success it is.”
Help keep Shetland’s news open to everyone
Good local journalism takes time, care and people on the ground. Membership helps us keep reporting the stories that matter to Shetland — and keep them free for everyone to read. Members get a weekly newsletter created especially for them, local ads only, and can bookmark stories and join the conversation in the comments.
Already a member? Sign in.
Recently Shetland News was able to take on a third journalist Neil Riddell, who joined from The Shetland Times.
Last year the news site was judged Website of the Year in the Highlands and Islands and was shortlisted in the UK Regional Press Awards.
The awards ceremony will be held at the Radisson BLU in Glasgow on Thursday 24 April. There are 21 different categories.
Keep Shetland’s news open to everyone
Your membership helps us report the stories that matter to Shetland — and keep them free for everyone to read.
Already a member? Sign in.
