Local...Local...Local

Local...that's one of the big buzz words these days among many of the B-I-G players and portals like ESPN and Yahoo!.  They are rushing to come to YOUR town with hometown content.  The more local the better.  Seems like they are taking a page out of the old radio playbook.

Paidcontent had this article that provides an update on MSN, AOL, and Yahoo!'s local plans.  

They have not perfected the "local thing" just yet.

ESPN seems to be a little bit further ahead

Local for local sake is a bust.  However, relevant and interesting local content remains a big win.

Taking a page out of the old radio playbook--find unique and creative ways to be local.

What local content will cut it with your listeners?  Hmmm.  Sounds like a good poll question to put on your Facebook fan page.  Let your listeners help make that decision.  They are the very people you want to ferry to your website--why not cater the local info TO THEM.

The race is on.  Radio still has the lead when it comes to local, but it's clear the national media (sometimes through their local O&O's) are coming after us.

In some ways, it's a head scratcher.  Why would the national platforms need or want these local footprints?  Easy...follow the money.  The local media money they can target because they are just as local as you.  Uh Oh!