Readers play a different role in a media outlet depending on the role we choose to assign them. Whether through comments, participation in editorial meetings, or a dedicated platform, media outlets recognize that readers also have something to say and added value to contribute. Let the audience have their say!
Leave room for comments
Should articles be open to comments or not? Regards magazine has chosen to include a “reactions” section in each of its articles published online. The publication has established a comment policy specifying that comments are not moderated a priori, except for messages that violate the law. As for the intrusion of hateful messages, the editorial staff responds with humor: “Far-right proselytizers will be invited to take advantage of the other spaces for expression that the Internet offers them.” They view contributors as more important than readers—a way to bring together the community that reads their work.
Engage the readership
Involving readers is part of the DNA of the opinion journal *Le Drenche*. Proposing and selecting topics with a reader committee: once a month, the editorial team surveys readers on Discord or through editorial meetings on Twitch. The community participates in both content and form: choosing the logo, slogan, and name, as well as the criteria for accepting advertisements in the print edition. This gives readers the chance to become true ambassadors, just as Le Drenche describes itself.
Involve the community
Passionate about nature and adventure, Les Others reached out to their community to launch their latest project, Recto Verso: a kit (map + fact sheets) for planning your own hikes. And their contribution didn’t end with the release, as a complementary platform was also launched. Using the Circle tool, Les Autres have created a true discussion forum where their members share tips, recommendations, and more… A community that directly contributes to the editorial direction, for example by suggesting ideas for the podcast *Les Baladeurs*. Beyond just comments, this involves direct audience participation.
