Blog of the Week: This is Alton

When I think of local news, I think of a weekly 'round-robbin' type broadsheet paper circulated across a small area, featuring a list of bereavements, local events and the odd incident involving a horse and a tractor. Well, maybe that is just my paper in in rural Hampshire! Yet, no matter where you are, it is apparent that local news is dwindling. It used to be the essence of communities, with talk of the local 'rag' featuring in many conversations. But with newspapers closing and shutting up shop up and down the country, local news is facing the brunt of a crisis in the media industry.

Which is why this weeks Blog of the Week offered a glimmer of hope to my local area in particular. This is Alton, a website/ blog dedicated to all the local news in my hometown, picks up from where the newspapers stalled. It contains all the latest news, along with various interviews, videos, photos and event listings for Alton.

In just a few minutes, I learnt about a new supermarket being built in the town, details on how to enter a Come Dine With Me (which is currently being filmed in East Hampshire) and the councils plans for the Diamond Jubilee. Completely independent from any media outlet, the website is regularly updated and frequently viewed by residents.

I like that it truly captures the digital era by allowing the reader to share with friends on Facebook and Twitter, and comment on blog posts. The content is of quality journalism, and the advertisements do not blare out at you.

So if you are looking for all the local news from Alton in Hampshire, then 'This is Alton' is for you. Forget paying for the local newspaper, this website truly is a gem in providing the local people with easy access to journalism. Enjoy!

You can check out the website by following the link: http://www.thisisalton.co.uk/

Picture Courtesy of This is Alton.

Previous 'Blog of the Week' posts:
- Mode de la Mode
- Catastrophic Findings

Blog of the Week: Moda de la Mode

With London Fashion Week seeing the world's numerous fashion designers, journalists and models descending on the capital, it seems fitting that this week's Blog of the Week should be dedicated to a fashion blog.

And what a fashion blog it is. Moda de la Mode, created and written by aspiring fashion journalist and personal friend Grace Molan, is an online fashion bible that covers a mixture of features on women's and men's fashion, as well as interviews with stars of the fashion world and helpful tips on essential styles and outfits.

Like my most recent Blog post, which you can find linked below, Grace uses a mix of writing and photos to capture the attention of the audience, often using step by step guides on tips to form an outfit, or detailed description on new collections.

The blog has an arrange of features, including my personal favourite, Menswear Mondays, where every Monday post is dedicated to a post on Men's fashion.

If you want to know the latest on high street must-have's or designer collections, Moda de la Mode is your place to go. Updated regularly, with a professional look and boasting over 200 followers, it really is a unique and diverse blog in an over-crowded market.

Link to Moda de la Mode blog: http://modadelamode.blogspot.com/
You can follow Moda de la Mode on twitter: @Modadelamode

Pictures Courtesy of Grace and Moda de la Mode

Similar posts:

Blog of the Week: Catastrophic Findings