For small newsrooms, choosing the right tech stack is critical and a part of that is their CMS. With the usual limitations in budget and technical teams, small newsrooms need to be careful when choosing their CMS or publishing platform. At Refact, we have helped different news and media companies migrate to and from different platforms or CMSs. We are using the insights to review some CMS options for small newsrooms and how you can choose your own. Obviously, each platform is unique and more suitable for the specific needs of digital publishing and news distribution. Here, we will take a look at a comprehensive collection that runs from digital news-specific solutions like Metro Publisher to all-rounders like BLOX and broad choices like WordPress. Let’s start right away.
BLOX
Starting as a print publishing platform and CMS built in 1989 by a journalist, BLOX is a digital publishing platform used by over 2,000 newsrooms and media sites. TownNews is the country behind BLOX, and true to its roots, it also offers a print-first CMS for physical print publications. This CMS is tailored specifically for the needs of media organizations. Here’s a closer look at what BLOX offers:
Key Features of BLOX CMS for Small Newsrooms
- Supports a wide array of editorial publishing functionalities.
- Allows management of website and mobile applications.
- Brings audience development and revenue generation into a unified environment.
- Includes useful tools like automated transactional emails and a registration-to-paywall system.
User Experience
- The platform interface appears dated and could feel clunky to users accustomed to more modern CMS tools.
- Despite its wide range of features, the depth of each feature might be limited, which could impact customization options.
- The editorial interface, while feature-rich, is busy and might require time to learn effectively.
Support and Community
- TownNews offers great customer support, which is a significant plus for newsrooms without technical expertise. However, it also means that you have to go to them for any customization – or get your own developers or a digital partner.
- Training resources, including videos, are available, making it easier for entry-level reporters to get up to speed.
Technical Considerations
- BLOX CMS hosts your content at a data center in New Jersey, U.S., with a bundled Content Delivery Network (CDN) for improved content delivery speed.
- The platform uses a templating engine similar to PHP Smarty, which can be less intuitive for those not familiar with such systems.
- The architecture does not support a plug-in model for adding third-party custom applications, limiting flexibility compared to platforms like WordPress or Drupal.
Pros of Using BLOX CMS for Small Newsrooms
- Cost-effective for the features offered, making it an attractive choice for budget-conscious newsrooms.
- Strong integration of various tools into a single platform simplifies operations.
Cons of Using BLOX CMS for Small Newsrooms
- The monolithic architecture makes it difficult to customize or integrate with other systems.
- Some users have reported issues with the regression of certain features, particularly those related to revenue metrics.
BLOX CMS is ideal for small to mid-sized newsrooms that prefer a total out-of-the-box solution, don’t need advanced customization, and are willing to work around some of its platform quirks. The platform’s strong focus on content throughput makes it a solid choice for high-volume publishing.
Foundation by DesertNet
Foundation is a content management system (CMS) for alternative weekly news orgs. It aims to provide a robust and flexible solution for these publications, combining a range of features that cater to their unique needs.
Key Features
- Foundation is a responsive and full-featured CMS that offers a variety of tools specifically beneficial for publications like alt-weeklies.
- Key functionalities include a What You See Is What You Get (WYSIWYG) editor, film times and theater listings that are searchable and sortable, customizable event listings with web-to-print integration, detailed restaurant and location listings, and integrated social media tools.
- The CMS supports extensive customization to cater to the specific editorial and commercial needs of each publication.
User Experience
- The system boasts a responsive design ensuring that content looks good on all devices, which is crucial for reaching a wide audience in today’s mobile-first world.
- It offers a user-friendly interface that simplifies the management of complex content types and advertising solutions, making it easier for smaller teams to handle large volumes of content efficiently.
Community and Support
- Foundation is backed by DesertNet and has a strong focus on community-driven features. It’s used by some of the well-known alternative weeklies in North America, showcasing its reliability and effectiveness in real-world applications.
Ideal for
- Alternative news organizations that require a flexible, robust platform capable of handling a diverse range of content and commercial needs. The CMS is especially suited for publishers that need a system that can be heavily customized to suit their unique market demands.
Foundation CMS positions itself as a practical solution for publishers who need a system that can manage not just digital content but also integrate smoothly with print and other media formats. Its focus on alt-weeklies and similar publications makes it a niche but highly tailored choice in the CMS landscape.
Metro Publisher
Metro Publisher is designed specifically for publishers and media houses looking to establish a strong online presence. This CMS focuses on ease of use and effective content management. Here’s a breakdown of what Metro Publisher offers:
Key Features
- Simple, no-code publishing platform.
- Affordable and simple to use without any implementation.
- Templates, SEO, and social media sharing features.
Pros and Cons for Small Newsrooms
- Metro Publisher provides a straightforward interface that reduces the learning curve for teams, but the interface is also old and clunky.
- Somewhat customizable but only by developers, which a small newsroom may not have available in-house.
- Very affordable but also limited and very hard to migrate away from, meaning problems down the road.
Metro Publisher can be a practical choice for very small newsrooms that prioritize affordable pricing and simple design. Read our expert comparison of Metro Publisher vs WordPress to learn more about the details of this CMS.
Hybrid WordPress-Powered Solution: the Refact Platform
WordPress is the most widely used CMS in the world and famous for its flexibility and vast support network. It is particularly adept at handling a variety of websites, including those dedicated to news. Here’s what makes WordPress a good choice for small newsrooms:
Key Features
- A broad selection of themes and plugins specifically designed for news sites enables publishers to customize the appearance and functionality of their sites easily.
- Strong community support means you can get answers to issues and questions through forums and professional networks.
- It offers robust SEO capabilities and supports multiple languages, helping publishers reach a broader audience.
Benefits for small newsrooms
- WordPress’s low barrier to entry makes it accessible, with many resources and tutorials available to help users at all skill levels.
- The platform’s versatility and reliability are proven, with millions of websites powered by WordPress worldwide.
- Numerous small newsrooms have used WordPress successfully, benefiting from its extensive customization options and strong community.
Introduction to the Refact Platform
- The Refact Platform offers a customizable, low-cost solution built on the familiar WordPress framework.
- It provides a more affordable alternative to agency-designed WordPress sites while still delivering all the benefits of the WordPress ecosystem.
- This makes it ideal for newsrooms that need a tailored solution without the high expense, combining cost-effectiveness with the power and flexibility of WordPress.
For small newsrooms that require a reliable, scalable CMS with a wide range of customization options, WordPress, enhanced by solutions like the Refact Platform, offers an effective and efficient choice.
Conclusion
Choosing the right CMS is a critical decision for any small newsroom looking to enhance its digital presence. The CMS options discussed—BLOX, Newspack, Whitebeard, WordPress with the Refact Platform, and Metro Publisher—each offer unique features that cater to the various needs of digital publishers. Depending on your specific requirements, whether it’s ease of use, affordability, flexibility, or advanced functionalities, there is a solution available that can meet your newsroom’s needs. As you consider these options, think about what will best serve both your immediate needs and long-term goals. Experimenting with different platforms or starting with a trial version can also help you make a more informed decision. Ultimately, the right CMS can help streamline your operations, improve audience engagement, and drive growth for your publication.