Due to the difficulties currently being endured by local newspapers in the UK, Roy Greenslade has discussed the growth of the hyperlocal market. He points out that "some of Britain's beleaguered publishers have spoken about the virtues of 'hyperlocality,' and one or two have even put that into practice", both online and in print.

However, whilst the movement hasn't really gained much speed in the UK as of yet, in the US hyperlocal websites are increasingly receiving funding and interest. Some of the sites are backed by the Knight Foundation, and in his article Greenslade laments the absence of such a body in the UK.

EveryBlock, for example, is funded by the Knight Foundation, covers 11 cities and has a relationship with the New York Times. Patch is run by one journalist in each of its three towns, which should be dozens by the end of the year, who covers all local events as well as using reader content.

Greenslade points out that the most obvious common factor in the start-ups is a large sum of money which "doesn't seem to be on offer in Britain". However, he feels that the big publishers - who despite cutbacks are still turning a profit - "given their (supposed) commitment to hyperlocality, they should be assigning their reporters to a mentoring role within their communities, seeking out and training people willing to supply content".

Source: Guardian