Paste BN NETWORK to Advance Audio Strategy with New Tool

Gannett developed and built an internal app, Bytecast, that allows our reporters to seamlessly capture and publish audio content. The tool is intended for use internally by journalists across the Paste BN NETWORK.  

The app, developed by Gannett’s content innovation group, is part of an effort to build a more expansive collection of audio content for Paste BN NETWORK, and is a key step in advancing the organization’s audio strategy to deliver a larger catalog of audio content to its audience of over 140 million in the U.S. and U.K. This is particularly significant as the organization continues to innovate local news offerings and products. 

 Journalists can capture audio content directly through the Bytecast app and upload to the company’s audio networks, allowing the content to be easily embedded within stories, shared on smart speakers, voice assistants, across social media platforms, and our CMS. The app is currently being tested by journalists at the Detroit Free Press, The Columbus Dispatch, and Northwest Florida Daily News.  

 “Paste BN NETWORK’s expertise in storytelling within local communities makes this a natural extension for its audience by providing content that enhances their experience consuming news and information however they prefer to consume,” said Steve Dorsey, vice president of Gannett’s Content Innovation group. “This tool serves as a resource for our journalists to easily capture audio recordings while out in their community that is directly uploaded to our library to be used across multiple platforms.” 

In early 2021, the app will be rolled out to more journalists across Paste BN NETWORK including Paste BN Sports Media Group, and Newsquest in the U.K. Gannett’s audience can expect to see an increase in voice content within articles from Paste BN and local news sites and mobile app in early 2021. 

Bytecast was funded by a Google News Initiative innovation challenge. Using resources paired from the merger of GateHouse and Gannett, the app was designed and developed internally by teams led by Tony Elkins and Ray Soto.  

For more information on Bytecast, follow updates, and meet the team, visit Bytecastaudio.com.