The BBC's user-generated content (UGC) hub began using a tool called Hearken in September 2016 to get an idea of the type of stories people were interested in even outside the news agenda. The aim was to build trust with the audience by answering their questions and including them more in how the news gets made.
Hearken is a platform and framework focused on public-powered journalism. Various news organisations around the US have been using it to get their readers more involved in the stories that are being reported, from the pitching stage to publication.
In this week's episode, we speak to Andrée Massiah, senior broadcast journalist at BBC News, and the UGC hub's Hearken lead, about how people have been using the feature, and the type of stories they have helped shape.
Free daily newsletter
If you like our news and feature articles, you can sign up to receive our free daily (Mon-Fri) email newsletter (mobile friendly).
Related articles
- Tool for journalists: Pitchwhiz, for connecting freelancers with news organisations
- 'I can't walk but I have my voice, so I can speak. And that's all that matters.'
- BBC experiments with new virtual studio to better explain the news to young people across Africa
- Tip: Things to keep in mind when working with fixers
- Data sharing is caring: BBC boosts local news output through its Shared Data Unit
