Media in region expand audience accessibility in 2008

Southeast Missouri's media outlets nearly revolutionized news delivery during 2008, then went one step further by inviting readers, listeners and viewers to get involved.

Two of the most prominent offers went to Southeast Missourian readers, who were invited to share personal stories and photos as well as offer business services.

The debut of SEMO Marketplace "would be at the top of the list for any technology report about the Missourian," said Jon Rust, publisher of the Southeast Missourian and co-president of Rust Communications. The website, www.semomarketplace.com, is based on the most comprehensive online business directory in the region.

Visitors can search for specific businesses or scan dozens of categories such as professional services, health care, home improvement, shopping, bars and clubs.

Southeast Missouri residents found a way to get breaking news on the go in 2008 when the Southeast Missourian began delivering information by text messages to cell phones. The service is free to users, who can choose from a number of categories of information, including breaking news and sports scores.

Also new on the newspaper's website are new contests and occasional streaming video of large events. In 2008 readers also were given the opportunity to submit their own photos and stories directly to the site.

Reporters used technology to deliver news as it happened. Using laptops and wireless Internet cards, reporters can now deliver digital photos, video and stories immediately.

The newspaper wasn't the only medium to make changes in the last year.

KFVS12 is also embracing the Internet, said Paul Keener, marketing director. The TV station delivers information to viewers of three screens: TVs, computers and cell phones. He said the transition to high-definition television will clarify the viewing experience and allow KFVS12 to multicast four video streams.

But webcasting "has been a big advancement too," he said. Last year, KFVS12 found ways to make its website a destination for live sports and such special events as parades.

Bigger-than-life events, such as the much-vaunted Feb. 11 Sikeston-Scott City basketball showdown, required support from local athletic directors.

After broadcasting more than 100 events online, Keener said, "we've learned that it doesn't hurt the gate. If people are going to go, they'll go."

What he's thrilled by are the e-mails and letters from former Southeast Missourians living across the country.

"They're so happy to be able to see a niece or nephew play in a game, or a former quarterback from 1972 says it's so great to see his team play," Keener said. "The Internet has shrunk the world, that's for sure."

"It's hard to tell now where we're going to be in 10 years," Keener said. "In order to stay relevant, we have to provide as much local content to as many people as possible. Change is fast."

It's linked local media, too. KFVS12 uses KZIM sports director Erik Sean and KZIM anchor/reporter Todd Bonacki to helm webcasts of Southeast Missouri State University home women's and men's basketball games.

"This puts our radio guys in videos seen around the world and gives us some of the best announcing talent in the area," he said.

Southeast Missouri's public radio station, KRCU, moved into new digs in 2008. According to general manager Dan Woods, the shift from analog to digital transmissions helped streamline electronics while expanding public service announcements and the online newsfeed.

The move was "a bit of a blur, but it's worked out nicely," he said. "We have a better work flow, and it's better for broadcasting."

It's also a better experience for listeners, who can use the station's website and copy MP3s of programming to listen on their own schedules.

Among the improvements Woods hopes no one notices is a series of backup plans for Cape Girardeau and Farmington, Mo., transmitters "so we can respond to things more quickly when we have a problem," Wood said. "Listeners won't lose [KRCU[']s] signal, critical during an emergency." The system, put to the test during February's ice storm, passed with flying colors, he said.

"Our job is to serve communities in any way we can," he said.

Woods said Southeast Missouri's media gives audiences a better the perspective on the world.

"It's nice to know what's going on in other people's worlds. It's very powerful to have that knowledge."

pmcnichol@semissourian.com

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