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Post plans third live blog for Paul McCartney concert

The Liverpool Daily Post is hailing its live blog experiment a success after some 1,600 people logged on to follow its progress.

The live blog was an invitation for readers to see the inner working of the Post newsroom after the title had first used it for its local elections coverage earlier this month.

Around 35 journalists, including editor Mark Thomas, posted throughout the day, with the blog running from 7am on Tuesday to 1am yesterday.

They posted details of their working day, such as chasing stories, covering the court or conducting interviews.

The title even aired two live video streams, one showing staff producing a regular podcast featuring Post columnist and feature writer David Charters, and the other showing a forward planning meeting in the features department.

Readers were asked for input on stories and planning for initiatives such as the title’s upcoming Sex and the City special.

During the day, the Post’s Westminster correspondent Rob Merrick broke the story of Labour MP Frank Field’s apology to Prime Minister Gordon Brown over the 10p tax row which made national headlines.

It is thought the Post was first with the story thanks to the live blog which attracted between 500 and 600 reader comments throughout the day.

David Higgerson, assistant editor for both the Post and Echo, said plans were afoot to repeat the live blog for The Liverpool Sound concert in June which Paul McCartney is set to headline.

He said: “When given the chance, people are more than happy to participate.

“It gave them a snapshot of a newsroom that they might not otherwise have had.”

Comments

Cheryl Darbyshire Burgess (02/12/2008 07:57:55)
Paul McCartney has been such an Ambassador for Liverpool and its wonderful talented unique people. On my visits to Liverpool this year I have been amazed by the architecture old and new. Everyone has rallied together to make this such a splendid
year for Liverpool. Congratulations to all especially Sir Paul who has worked tirelessly to put the City which supported him in his youth put on the greatest show and inspired the rest of the world with your humour imagination and vigour. I keep trying but never get in to his shows – always full but will look forward to seeing his diverse
musical talents on TV. Your papers are giving good coverage on community matters
and getting the word around
keeping the community spirit alive. Well done! Cheryl Heysham, Morecambe