Dallas Free Press

We’re texting the news!

This was a smart use of text messaging to grow readership and serve a community. The Free Press launched its texting service in English and Spanish to residents of South and West Dallas, and tries to send three texts a week — one highlighting a resource from their neighborhood resource maps; one highlighting upcoming community events; and one with links to their stories from the week. Residents’ answers to text questions often shapes their coverage and the team says they use texting as a “barometer to gauge what resonates with our communities, and what doesn’t.”

Note: At the time, this award was given out as the Game-Changer Award, which is now the INNovator award.