#United States #New York #OpenWeb #Patch #Local News

Strengthening Local News: A New Alliance

In a significant move for local journalism, OpenWeb, a prominent community engagement platform, has announced its strategic partnership with Patch, the leading hyperlocal news platform in the United States. This collaboration is a vital step towards enhancing reader engagement and fortifying local news communities across the nation, serving over 30,000 communities with the potential to reach more than 25 million unique visitors monthly.

As public interest in local news surges, the need for more meaningful connections in communities has never been greater. OpenWeb's integration of its award-winning community engagement and commenting technology into Patch's vast network is designed to create healthier online conversations. By harnessing this technology, OpenWeb aims to deliver a platform that not only engages readers but also strengthens the foundation of local journalism.

The Essence of the Partnership

Haim Sasson, President of OpenWeb, expressed the commitment to deepening community engagement, stating, “By bringing our AI-powered moderation and community engagement tools to Patch's vast local network, we're helping to make neighborhood conversations vibrant, constructive, and inclusive.” At the heart of this partnership lies OpenWeb's Aida, a proprietary large language model designed to recognize nuances and learn context, thereby maintaining a healthy dialogue. This innovative technology, complemented by over 25 AI/ML models, fosters a high standard of discourse essential for productive community engagement.

Furthermore, OpenWeb introduces a proprietary Topic Tracker, empowering users to follow specific topics and authors of interest. This feature resonates strongly within local journalism as it allows readers to stay informed about pressing community issues, local government decisions, and neighborhood developments.

Patch's President, Will Figueroa, emphasized the alignment of OpenWeb's technology with Patch’s mission to connect neighbors through meaningful conversation: “Their tools will help us create even more vibrant spaces for residents to discuss the issues that matter most to their communities.” This partnership marks a proactive approach to combatting the phenomenon of “news deserts,” ensuring communities can access reliable and independent news coverage.

A Scalable Vision for Community Engagement

The integration of AI-powered newsletters, in conjunction with OpenWeb's engagement technology, paves the way for unprecedented opportunities in community building at scale. With 3 million newsletter subscribers and 85 full-time reporters, Patch stands to benefit significantly from enhanced reader engagement and greater community insights.

The capabilities of OpenWeb have already been validated by established publishers like CNN, Metro, New York Post, and the Wall Street Journal, all of whom have reported notable increases in user engagement and new registrations. The model prioritizes meaningful conversations while upholding civil discourse, making it particularly suitable for local news environments where community trust is paramount.

A Commitment to Sustainable Journalism

OpenWeb's mission is to foster healthy online conversations, partnering with publishers and brands to cultivate direct relationships with their audiences. Over 5,000 top-tier publishers leverage OpenWeb's technology, which serves over 150 million active users each month. The company, founded in 2015 and headquartered in New York City, boasts a robust global presence with offices in Tel Aviv, Kiev, San Diego, Canada, London, and Paris, supported by notable investors such as The New York Times and Samsung Next.

Patch, on the other hand, founded to empower local communities through journalism, operates as a profitable entity committed to sustainability in local journalism. By seamlessly blending professional reporting with community engagement, Patch ensures residents remain well-informed on locality issues—a mission increasingly vital in today’s media landscape.

Conclusion: A New Era for Local News

As OpenWeb and Patch embark on this pivotal partnership, they aim to redefine local journalism's future, enhanced by innovative technology and a shared commitment to community engagement. This collaboration signifies not just a step forward but a leap into a spirited, informed, and connected local journalism era. Together, they are not just bridging gaps in news coverage but reinforcing the communal ties that hold neighborhoods together, creating vibrant and informed spaces for discussion.