The tools you use to manage your content online can make a big difference to your newsrooms’ efficiency. Let us share some info to help you work out what is best for you, along with resources to help you manage this side of your media organisation.
CMS Vendor Selection tool
The International News Media Association (INMA) and the Google News Initiative (GNI) have partnered to help news organisations demystify various content management systems (CMSs) and help them identify the most suitable systems to fit their needs. In December 2024 they released the second version of their CMS Vendor Selection Tool – it’s well worth a look!
CMS Directory
The world standard for open source content management systems (CMS), WordPress.org is a highly customisable platform which can be powerful and stylish when used with care. It can take some more work to set up, but with a great theme and some highly rated plugins, you can get away without little to no coding these days.
A comprehensive publishing system with newsletter and subscription features. Check out Ghost here.
Substack is a great way to keep things simple and target a newsletter audience. Your content is on a dedicated site, but its main aim is to reach inboxes.
Beehiiv is a low-cost alternative to SubStack, offering an all-in-one newsletter and website package.
CMS Showcase
Still unsure what to use? Check out this webinar showcase of CMS systems, focused on managing, delivering, and optimising content in the digital space.
1:1 IT and tech support
Adrian O’Hagan – LINA Technical Manager
As always, LINA’s tech manager is available to provide member newsrooms with free on-demand help. Think of Adrian like your own personal IT department. He’s a jack of many trades, so contact Adrian next time your website crashes, you need help interpreting google analytics, or you hit a roadblock implementing ads in your newsletter.
Track your tech stack
Here’s a handy resource that you can use to track your newsroom’s current tech stack, making it easier to keep on top of what you’re using and monitor payments and annual subscription renewals.