Facebook subscriptions: Could Meta still be a friend for publishers?

One publisher trying out subscriptions on the platform thinks it could benefit others too.

Report by Charlotte Tobitt for Press Gazette

Facebook owner Meta has been “unfriending” news for more than two years, ending a long period of wooing the publishers who create much of the content shared by its users.

But while Meta may have stopped giving grants to publishers and sharing ad revenue with them, it may yet hold the key to selling online subscriptions for some titles.

Pulman’s Weekly News, a small newsbrand based in Axminster, Devon, now has more than 500 subscribers (of 1,700 Facebook followers in total) who pay £3.49 a month, less than a month after turning on Facebook subscriptions.

This suggests a total of at least £1,745 monthly from Facebook alone (Meta has said it is not taking fees on these transactions until at least the end of 2024.)

Owner Duncan Williams said: “I have always been an advocate of utilising Facebook and there is much good sense in being in the centre of today’s most popular digital arena, which is where the majority of our audience and readers already have account access, rather than expecting readers to create separate accounts on a standalone platform or paywall system.”

Williams has run Pulman’s Weekly News, founded in 1857, since 2018 when it closed in print. He previously made headlines when he bought West Country newspaper series View From for £1 two weeks after it was closed by by the previous owner but ended up being ruled personally responsible for hundreds of thousands owed to the group’s former employees and forced into bankruptcy.

Despite this experience Williams remains in local news and described working on Pulman’s as “very much a labour of love”.

“To be honest, my own family think I am crazy,” he said. “My younger brother has made a fortune in banking and thinks I am quite mad putting all my money into local media. But I still have a belief in this industry, and I always will.”

Pulman’s is also funded by a combination of Facebook advertorials, e-newsletters and providing social media design and management services for local businesses. Williams supplements it with his own freelance journalism and creating commercial videos for social media advertising.

Facebook subscribers to the Pulman’s page receive access to a dedicated subscriber discussion group, exclusive posts, videos including live broadcasts, photos and polls, a subscriber badge next to comments, and five highlighted featured comments a month on live videos.

Williams believes Facebook groups, often maintained by people prominent in their communities, are where many people now turn to for their local news in the absence of having reporters for every town and village. He described groups as “essentially the new local newspaper”.

A Charitable Journalism Project report published last year noted that Facebook was “by far the most important” social media service for local news information and that local pages and groups filled a gap in many communities. One focus group participant in Lewisham cited their local group and said it is the first place they look and “a lot of it’s trash to be honest, but a lot of it’s very useful”.

Williams feels that now a Facebook page “is actually of more value to a local publisher than a standalone website” and he has therefore been posting directly to the Pulman’s page for years rather than giving people a tease and asking them to click through – the website mimics a social media feed rather than having a traditional layout. He works with advertisers to accommodate them on the page itself and support this style of posting.

Williams said this had helped him pass the eligibility test as Meta wants people creating content specifically for the platform rather than primarily posting external links.

Facebook first introduced subscriptions, formerly known as fan subscriptions, in 2018. But they have never taken off among news publishers and may now represent an opportunity to claw something back from the platform.

To be eligible, a Facebook page must meet certain criteria including having either 10,000 followers or at least 250 return views. It must also have reached either 50,000 post engagements or 180,000 watch minutes in the previous 60 days, and be in compliance with Facebook’s monetisation policies.

Williams said: “I feel that as soon as this is made aware to most publishers, they will want to try it.”

Duncan Williams - media owner

According to the Reuters Institute Digital News Report this summer, Facebook does remain the most-used social media platform for news (17% in the UK) even though this is down from a peak of 28% in 2016.

Gen Z (currently aged up to 26) have particularly moved away from Facebook and towards Instagram, visual mobile-first media and then Tiktok since 2018.

But in a world where the platform makes up a sizeable amount of time spent yet referral traffic has plummeted and publishers nonetheless continue to post on the platform to stay in front of the Facebook native audience, topping up revenue with subscriptions from that crowd could be a nice added extra source – especially as Substack has shown people are willing to pay for a community and content they care about.

See Press Gazette -

https://pressgazette.co.uk/social_media/facebook-subscriptions-news-publishers/

SINISTRA AND THE HISTORICAL BIAS AGAINST LEFT-HANDEDNESS - 🙏

Report by Duncan Williams @NewsAdvertiser

Last Sunday (13th August) marked International Left-Handers Day, a day that might have easily gone unnoticed for most but held significance for those in the left-handed community.

Some church sermons briefly mentioned this celebration.

However, what was particularly striking over the weekend were some recollections appearing on social media message boards - where grown adults reflected on the stigma of their school days.

Unfortunately, these memories were often associated with Christian educational institutions, where being a minority left-handed pupil resulted in repeated shame, humiliation, and all too frequently, punishments.

Righteousness, the right path, to do the right thing... It's easy to see how words can be used to galvanise and steer a belief. As easy, in fact, as black and white.

So, what led to the historical perspective that left-handedness was once considered wrong? Why did Christian religions show favouritism towards right-handedness?

In ancient societies, the right hand was synonymous with strength, while the left hand was regarded as weaker and less capable.

This perception was rooted in the dominance of right-handed individuals, leading to the erroneous assumption that left-handedness signified difference or even inferiority.

Ancient beliefs and religious symbolism further exacerbated the bias against left-handedness. The Latin word "sinistra," meaning "left," gave birth to the term "sinister," now synonymous with malevolence. Across cultures, the right side embodied righteousness and blessings, while the left was associated with superstitions and negativity.

Within the context of Christian religions, the preference for right-handedness gained prominence. The Bible often depicted the right hand as a symbol of divine favour, strength, and authority. This portrayal reinforced the notion that the right side held inherent virtues.

This bias permeated societal norms and educational systems. Left-handed individuals were coerced to adapt to right-handed practices, fostering feelings of alienation and potential psychological repercussions.

Conventional classroom arrangements favoured right-handed students, leaving their left-handed counterparts grappling with chalkboards, desks, and tools designed for right-handed use.

Scientific misconceptions also played a pivotal role in perpetuating this stigma. The concept of brain lateralisation, the specialisation of brain hemispheres, was widely misunderstood. Incorrectly, left-handedness was linked to a less developed or malfunctioning brain, solidifying the notion that being left-handed was "wrong."

The term "sinistra" acts as a poignant reminder of the deep-seated bias against left-handedness in historical and linguistic contexts. 

While society has made strides, efforts to disband these stigmas are ongoing. Advances in genetics and brain research have dismantled numerous misconceptions, acknowledging left-handedness as a natural variation.

With the rise of advocacy groups and awareness campaigns, the negative perceptions surrounding left-handedness have begun to dissipate. 

It's essential to acknowledge that the historical preference for right-handedness was rooted in the complex interplay of cultural, religious, and scientific factors. 

By embracing diversity and dismantling myths, we pave the way for an inclusive and understanding society that celebrates the uniqueness of every individual, irrespective of their handedness.

TOP COP SUSPENDED FROM DEVON & CORNWALL POLICE OVER SEXUAL OFFENCE ALLEGATIONS - 🚨

Report by Duncan Williams @ViewNewsUK

The Police and Crime Commissioner, Alison Hernandez, has taken the decision to suspend the Chief Constable of Devon and Cornwall due to allegations of misconduct. The allegations reportedly pertain to sexual offences that occurred in Northern Ireland.

The individual in question is Will Kerr (pictured), who assumed his role as Chief Constable in December. Prior to this appointment, he served as a deputy chief constable in Scotland and had an impressive career spanning over 27 years with the Police Service of Northern Ireland. During his tenure, he rose to the rank of Assistant Chief Constable for Crime and Operations, where he played a pivotal role in tackling serious crime and counter terrorism.

While stationed in Belfast, Kerr was responsible for overseeing the policing of major events within the city and served as the Strategic Commander during the parading season in Northern Ireland. 

As a response to these serious allegations, Commissioner Alison Hernandez has taken the necessary step of referring the matter to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC). This independent body has confirmed its commitment to launching a thorough investigation into the case.

On the Devon and Cornwall police force website, Chief Constable Will Kerr is described as "a very experienced firearms commander and has significant investigative expertise in serious and organised crime, and counter-terrorism."

The Commissioner has now referred the matter to the Independent Office for Police Conduct, which has confirmed it will begin an investigation.

Jim Colwell, now the Acting Chief Constable, said: "I understand our communities will be concerned about the reports in the media today regarding the suspension of Chief Constable Will Kerr by the Police and Crime Commissioner."

"I will be stepping into the role of Acting Chief Constable on an interim basis to ensure consistency of leadership and service delivery of policing across the peninsula."

"This now remains a matter for the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner and the IOPC to investigate."

"I am keen to reassure the public that we will maintain our focus on delivering the best possible service to our communities."

"We have thousands of dedicated and professional officers, staff, and volunteers within our force and strong leadership throughout which, when pulled together, mean we can continue to make improvements at pace to provide our communities with the highest levels of service they deserve."

"Public trust and confidence are at the very heart of our ability to police effectively, and we are incredibly proud that in Devon, Cornwall, and the Isles of Scilly, we have the support of our communities."

A former deputy chief constable in Scotland, Will Kerr spent over 27 years in the Police Service of Northern Ireland. He was awarded an OBE in 2015. He joined the National Crime Agency (NCA) on secondment in 2017. 

( Photo: Devon & Cornwall Police. 📸 )

WEEKLY WELLBEING: EMBRACING THE BEAUTY OF UNRECIPROCATED LOVE - ♥️

In a world that often measures worth by tangible gains and reciprocation, the wisdom of C.S. Lewis's quote, "Love is never wasted, for its value does not rest upon reciprocity," stands as a beacon of hope and a reminder of the profound depth that love holds within itself. In a universe that thrives on cause and effect, we are challenged to reconsider the true essence of love and the uncharted territories it unveils when given without expectation.

Love, in its purest form, is a boundless force that knows no constraints, no boundaries, and no limits. It transcends the realm of give and take, of tit-for-tat exchanges, and reveals its greatest power when it is offered selflessly, unconditionally, and without reservation. The moment love is hinged upon reciprocation, its authenticity falters, and the essence of its beauty begins to diminish.

We often fall into the trap of associating love with possession, control, and emotional investment. However, genuine love isn't about possessing another person's heart or expecting them to reciprocate in the same manner. Instead, it's about nurturing and cherishing the well-being of others, allowing them to flourish in their own unique way, regardless of whether they reciprocate our feelings or not.

The journey of love is sometimes like an intimate and exotic dance; sometimes, the steps may be in harmony, and at other times, they might differ in tempo. We must learn to embrace the grace of this dance without expecting a predefined outcome. Love's worth lies not in the results it yields but in the way it transforms us as individuals. It molds our character, fosters compassion, and enriches our capacity for empathy.

Imagine a world where every act of love was solely based on the desire to touch hearts, heal wounds, and lift spirits, without any anticipation of getting something in return. Such a world would be a utopia of genuine connections and unbreakable bonds. When we release the chains of expectation and embrace love as an end in itself, we liberate it from the shackles of disappointment, resentment, and bitterness.

Think of the artist who pours their heart and soul into creating masterpieces, regardless of whether they gain fame or fortune. Or the mother who tirelessly nurtures her child, unconditionally supporting their dreams, knowing that the child may not always understand the depth of her sacrifice. These acts of love are priceless, for they transcend material gains and are anchored in the realms of eternity.

Moreover, love that knows no expectation of reciprocation has the power to touch lives in ways we may never fully comprehend. It has the potential to kindle a light in the darkest corners of someone's soul, providing warmth even in the coldest of hearts. It's the love that shapes destinies, ignites passions, and inspires generations to come.

It is true; there may be times when love appears to be unrequited, leaving us feeling vulnerable and exposed. However, these moments should not deter us from continuing to love with our whole being. For even in the face of apparent rejection, love can never truly be wasted. Its essence lives on in the hearts it has touched, even if those hearts remain silent.

In the end, love is not an investment with an anticipated return. It is a gift of unparalleled beauty, a force that moves mountains, and a treasure that enriches the giver as much as the receiver. By understanding that love's value lies in its very existence, independent of any external response, we find the courage to love more deeply, more fearlessly, and more authentically.

So, let us not shy away from the boundless possibilities of love. Let us celebrate love in all its forms - the love that blooms and the love that endures, the love that is reciprocated and the love that may seemingly go unnoticed. Embrace love as the beacon that illuminates our souls, knowing that its true worth lies in the journey of giving and not in the expectation of receiving. In doing so, we shall discover the true essence of love, transcending the ordinary and stepping into the extraordinary realm of love's eternal embrace.

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A Faith & Ethics Report by Duncan Williams, Copyright (c) 2023.

PATIENT SURVEY RATES DEVON DOCTORS AS AMONGST BEST IN BRITAIN - 💊🏥

Report by Duncan Williams @PulmansWeekly

Devon's General Practitioners (GPs) have achieved an impressive accolade, ranking second in GP satisfaction according to the recently published National GP Patient Survey by NHS England.

The survey results indicate that nearly 8 out of 10 people express contentment with their local medical practices, making it one of the highest satisfaction rates in the country. Although there has been a slight decrease in overall satisfaction rates compared to the previous year, Devon still outperforms many other regions, with 78% of patients describing their experience with their GP practice as good.

An overwhelming 93% of patients surveyed reported that their needs were effectively addressed during their last GP appointment, and a significant proportion, almost 72%, had the opportunity for a face-to-face consultation in Devon.

The GP Patient Survey (GPPS) is conducted throughout England, offering valuable insights into patients' experiences with their GP practices. In Devon, a commendable response of over 14,300 individuals provided valuable feedback about their interactions with healthcare services. The survey, administered by Ipsos on behalf of NHS England, covers various topics, including local GP services.

Furthermore, there has been a notable increase in the number of healthcare professionals working in general practice in Devon compared to pre-pandemic times. This includes a diverse range of clinical roles such as clinical pharmacists, paramedics, and advanced nurse practitioners.

The nationally published GP appointment data (GPAD) showcases Devon's commitment to patient accessibility. Almost 50% of appointments are scheduled within one working day of patients reaching out to their practice, consistently exceeding the set targets.

Dr Nigel Acheson, Chief Medical Officer at NHS Devon, said: "We have excellent primary care services in Devon, and I am pleased to see we are well above national average for GP satisfaction across Devon.

"Our Devon GP practices have performed incredibly well considering the extreme challenges they continue to face. The current demand for GP appointments is way above that seen at pre-pandemic levels, and there has been significant growth in the appointments that are now offered to patients."

Overall, Devon's strong performance in the National GP Patient Survey underscores the efforts made to deliver satisfactory healthcare services to its residents. The dedication of its healthcare professionals and their focus on patient satisfaction have contributed to the region's success in healthcare provision.