Well, the one-year anniversary of this blog and the Suburban Digest page is actually May 24, but I’ve been swamped since then. It’s been a little while since I posted something here about the weekly Metro page, so better late than never, right?
The purpose of the Suburban Digest is to provide comprehensive coverage to cities in the Jackson metro area where majority of Clarion-Ledger subscribers reside — Brandon, Byram, Canton, Clinton, Flowood, Madison, Pearl, Ridgeland and Reservoir area. Last spring when Executive Editor Brian Tolley came on board, he talked about Passion Topics (subjects/issues important to readers) and how important it was to provide better coverage of the ‘Burbs. That’s where I came in as the reporter on the newly created suburban beat, to take charge of this effort and maintain the weekly content.
In its first year, the Suburban Digest raised awareness of several things you may not have known were happening in your area. By connecting through social media, emails, countless business cards and city government meetings, I have made so many connections with people living in my coverage areas. If a city mayor and board of aldermen voted on an ordinance that would have significant impact on you, it would appear on the page. If an area school or nonprofit is having an event to raise awareness of an issue, it appeared on the page. If local community groups are making positive changes and advancements, it appeared on the page. The main photo changes every week, alternating among the communities along with the column. We try to show people doing ordinary and extraordinary things every Thursday, and the Quotables section shows what people are saying/thinking regarding important local and national issues and public figures.
The first year was a big learning curve for me, as I went from covering two cities (Canton and Ridgeland for the Madison County Herald) to seven. I am learning a lot about these growing municipalities so the page is the best way to keep up with your city. Every Thursday it’s on the second page in the Metro section and online under the “News” tab at clarionledger.com. You can follow this blog for extra information, photos, videos, etc. and follow my Twitter account, @Terricha_CL and follow me on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/terricha.bradleyphillips?hc_location=stream to keep up. I appreciate all of the “likes,” views, follows and shares, and I’m ALWAYS open to comments, story/column ideas and tips. If you want to submit an idea, email tbradley@jackson.gannett.com. Please share this post with anyone living in the coverage areas.
You rock!
Terricha Bradley-Phillips 