Zwischenbrücken: New local journalism project combines Vienna District!

Zwischenbrücken: New local journalism project combines Vienna District!

in the colorful and diverse districts of the Wiener Leopoldstadt and Brigittenau is happening. With his "Zwetbrücken" initiative, Bernhard Odehnal has launched a new local journalism project that wants to take up stories and current topics from both districts. On the website that was already live in March, Odehnal aims to achieve around 200,000 residents with independent and connecting content. Born in Vienna, who has over 20 years of experience in "great" journalism, now wants to build bridges between social classes and cultural actors in his hometown with "small" journalism.

But what exactly is "intermediate bridges"? It is a new online medium that treats current debates, conflicts and trends in Leopoldstadt and Brigittenau. As part of this reporting, the aim is to publish a deeper history as well as various service articles on events, gastronomy and infrastructure projects every week. With this approach, not only the local events are depicted, but also a space for dialogue and exchange. This is how one wants to meet the desire for reliable reporting, which is increasingly attracting in times of fake news and superficial reporting, so reports [the press] (https://www.diepresse.com/19797920/ Zwischenbruecken-die-die-der-derksbene).

a strong team for local stories

Odehnal has surrounded itself with a committed team that underlines the journalistic value of the project. One of the first employees is Naz Kücüktekin who will participate as a freelancer right from the start. Furthermore, Ernst Schmieder, former USA correspondent of "profile", will portray people between the two districts. The photographer Christopher Mavric, known for his work for the "moth", will also bring his creative look into the project.

This is done under the premise that local journalism is more than just reporting - it is a bridge to strengthen the community and present a variety of perspectives. "Local journalism needs innovative approaches", says a report by the [CMC] (https://www.oeaaw.ac.at/cmc/the-institute/detail/eine-zurfunftsvision-lokaljournalism-undsein-innovatives-s- This coincides with Odehnal's vision, which focuses on good cooperation and the exchange between the different layers of society.

financing and perspectives

The financing of the project is secured, among other things, by crowdfunding, which has already brought around around 20,000 euros. In the long term, an advertisement and the possibility of voluntary subscriptions should guarantee that “intermediate bridges” can be on a solid financial foundation. With financial stability, even another employee could be hired to strengthen the team. An innovative approach that signals that there is space for local reporting even in times of digital upheavals. The challenges are great, but also the chances - this shows the growing interest in local content and the call for more profound journalism.

With "Zwetbrücken" Vienna seems to win a new, fresh piece of cultural journalism that captures the special grade of local life and at the same time focuses on important topics and needs of the population. The first steps are taken and the curiosity about the stories that need to be told is increasing.