Category Archives: Media

Local TV news… fear-mongering or reporting on crime? (Burlington burglaries)

Posted on Monday, March 14, 2016 by No comments yet

One day and 3,000 miles apart, two local TV newscasts took diametrically opposed approaches covering crime and local online forums.

KGET20160310KGET-17 in Bakersfield, CA asked multiple times in their story (Neighborhood safety apps and websites, are they actually safe?) if services such as Front Porch Forum, NextDoor, EveryBlock and AmericanTowns are safe to use.  While a local police sergeant advised caution about what a user shares — which is good, common sense, advice — his point that the Bakersfield Police Dept. has “only seen the programs used in a positive way” was buried in the closing sentence.

WPTZ20160311Meanwhile, in an unrelated story the next day in Burlington, VT (Police see city-wide spike in burglaries), WPTZ-5 reported that the local police chief had just posted on Front Porch Forum — to which more than 75% of local households subscribe — about a string of burglaries.  The Chief provided details and told his FPF readers that “the department is using plainclothes, unmarked and patrol units to track down those responsible.”

We’re pleased that law enforcement in Vermont finds value in Front Porch Forum, and that local media here mine FPF for story leads.  FPF is part of a healthy local media ecosystem and we’re glad to play our role.

Old House Journal focus on Five Sisters

Posted on Wednesday, February 10, 2016 by No comments yet

EPSON MFP image

EPSON MFP image

 

Jericho neighbors lend cots to Brundibar

Posted on Friday, January 29, 2016 by No comments yet

brun_show_page“I am amazed at our community… after posting one night asking for fold-away cots for an upcoming musical, I was well received by so many welcoming families and friends… thank you all. I am talking to the director, so please bare with me. I love this Forum… thank you all again.” [Brundibar, http://Flynntix.org or 802-86FLYNN]
• Lupe, Jericho Front Porch Forum