Google is currently testing a new app called Bulletin, designed for users to publish hyperlocal news stories that are accessible through Google Search.
Bulletin is described as “an app for contributing hyperlocal stories about your community, for your community, right from your phone.“
Users can upload pictures and videos stored on their phones directly to Bulletin. Content published on Bulletin appears on the web as a Google Post under the user’s Google account.
How Bulletin Works
Bulletin is seemingly straightforward to use. To get started, all you need is a Google account. There’s no need to set up websites or profiles, and publishing stories is as simple as sending a text message.
Each story published on Bulletin gets a unique URL starting with “posts.google.com/bulletin/share/…” making it easy to link, share, and discover via Google Search.
Stories can include a single piece of media or an entire gallery, and text-only stories are also an option. Each story can feature multiple items, all of which are time-stamped.
If the goal of Bulletin is to share hyperlocal news, it appears Google intends for users to treat it like a live blog. For example, if you’re reporting on a local conference, you might create a story at the start of the day and continually add content throughout the event.
Based on available information, Bulleting seems intended for live, evolving coverage of local events. However, access to the limited pilot is currently restricted to residents of Nashville and Oakland. Those living in these cities can request access.
For those with access, the app likely includes a community bulletin board for discovering stories from other users.
Google describes Bulletin as a venue for “telling the stories that aren’t being told,” potentially serving as a valuable tool for sharing and uncovering local stories overlooked by traditional media.
There will undoubtedly be more information on Bulletin as development continues.
