TODAY we are calling on you to join us as newshounds. The latest technology is such that you can share the stories you find and the pictures you take, with a humble mobile phone.
TODAY we are calling on you to join us as newshounds. The latest technology is such that you can share the stories you find and the pictures you take, with a humble mobile phone.
Reporter JAMES MARSTON explains how.
HE'S behind the scenes at the busy Evening Star newsroom, and James Goffin is crucial to our operation.
As the Evening Star's web manager, it is James who has his finger on the pulse of latest developments which allow us to bring to you news as it happens throughout the day. He has masterminded the new Evening Star text/picture and video message service which is an exciting way to get your comments and pictures straight to our newsroom.
Former journalist James said: “This service makes it much easier to share their experiences with our readers. It means we can be the first to bring to our readers the news and pictures of what is going on around them. Thanks to modern technology we can capture the moment of news in the making much sooner than we could before.”
Our team of journalists tell the stories that mean the most to you, but we cannot be at every Suffolk event every time.
James said: “Texting us, or sending in pictures means it is much easier for readers to share their experiences with the star and star readers as the news happens. It also gives people the buzz of seeing their name and their pictures in print in the paper, or on the website.
“There's no way we can replace the traditional skills of the journalist as storytellers, but this will compliment their skills. This is about those people who are on the ground at the time, sharing with us what is going on around them.”
Up and running already, the system uses state-of-the-art technology to process data and images within minutes ready for publication on our website or in the newspaper.
James said: “We do not want people to put themselves in danger by doing this. It is very important people are not tempted to text, or send pictures while they are driving or get in the way of emergency services. We want to make sure people are safe.”
Of course, not everything in life is serious, or bad news, sometimes a funny picture can lighten up reader's lives.
James said: “It doesn't have to be what we call 'hard' news, like fires and crashes etc. There is room for the lighter side of life. We are more than happy to try to publish something that gives readers a laugh.”
Evening Star editor Nigel Pickover said: “This is a fantastic way for readers to feel part of the Evening Star. It is your paper and your community and this is a great opportunity for you to contribute to the news as it happens.
“A simple text can help us set the news agenda, and help us continue to be really are first for Suffolk news.”
Sending in your comments and images couldn't be easier:
To send a Text SMS start the message with the prefix ESTAR and send the message to 84070
To send a Picture or video MMS start the message with the prefix ESTAR and send to
07843 500911
Texts cost 25p on top of your normal network charges.
If you have any questions or queries contact James on 01473 324695.
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