The Transparent Newsroom

A blog launched by the Spokesman-Review in Spokane, Washington, presents an innovative way in which mainstream media can leverage new media. The Daily Briefing blog gives readers a fly-on-the-wall view of newsroom activities and editorial staff meetings. The blog reveals the decision-making process that goes on at the paper, as well as a Q&A forum where readers can submit questions to the editors.

Not everyone will want to make such a blog a part of their regular reading. But considering the controversies the MSM has been embroiled in recently, this kind of transparency may help clear up misunderstandings by shedding light on how editorial decisions are made.

UPDATE: Techdirt features a rather harsh critique of the Daily Briefing, questioning not only the usefulness of the blog, but whether or not it can be truly considered a blog at all.

RELATED: Poynter Online notes a similar blogging effort being conducted by a newspaper in Boulder, Coloardo. The effort apparenty hasn't gone over very well, though the post offers some suggestions for improvement.

Sources: Poynter Online, unmediated