INDY MEDIA: To the Boomers & Beyond

Rachel Stokes

www.BoomersandBeyond.comProviding independent media sources to those aged 50 and older

WHY?Boomers and older

readers tend to rely on mainstream sources for their news

Cable news and print newspapers are the main sources for the

demographicNewspapers rely

heavily on their older readers

Source: Scarborough Research survey data

Older audiences may not be fully aware of the multitude of news sources available for consumption online. This outlet would help them to seek out and learn about sources other than the well-known mainstream.

Essentially, this outlet would mimic this class; directed towards a 50+ audience, the outlet will teach the audience the pros and cons of independent sources and the different types of revenue streams, while providing links to important independent outlets and stories.

This outlet will engage the older audience to seek out new and different viewpoints. This will aid the media in general, as it will increase the amount of people who are aware of independent outlets. This increase in interest in independents will hopefully be successful in urging the mainstream to cover more controversial topics and include sources who may contradict popular points of view.

Also, the audience will become more familiar with multimedia features associated with online news. This includes videos, slideshows, maps and various interactive features. The audience will learn how to keep up with stories that interest them, as well as being able to compare mainstream coverage with that of independent outlets.

How?WORD OF MOUTHThis outlet would spread and grow mainly through word of mouth. Users would share the site with friends and family, thus expanding its impact.

ALSO: •Produce viral videos promoting the goals and objectives • While these videos may be slow

to move through the intended audience, younger audiences who are familiar with viral videos will spread the videos among friends and family, hopefully convincing parents and grandparents to use the site

•Advertise with flyers or ads in mainstream newspapers

Revenue •Donors • Large donors as well as reaching out to

the audience for small donations

•Advertisements

Staff•Director/Head of Operations

•1 full-time writer/contributor•2-3 part-time contributors

•ALWAYS accepting interns, volunteers and reader submissions

Budget

Salar

ies

Techn

ology

Adve

rtising

$0 $20,000 $40,000 $60,000 $80,000

$100,000 $120,000 $140,000 $160,000 $180,000 $200,000

YEAR 1YEAR 3YEAR 5

The End.