A FASCINATING experiment in using digital communications to engage with readers was carried out today by one of the North West’s leading daily newspapers.

The Liverpool Daily Post used the internet to break new ground and reach out to its readers by becoming the subject of its own ‘Day in the LIfe’ special.

The paper began the experiment on its web site with a live blog starting at 7am, giving readers the chance to interact with its reporters, editors and other contributors throughout the day.

Staff provided as-it-happens accounts of what they were working on and readers were able to post their own comments or questions in response - including their suggestions for stories.

The Daily Post Editorial conference - which decides what goes in the paper the next day - was filmed as it was chaired by Editor, Mark Thomas. The film was later uploaded on to YouTube so viewers could witness how some editorial decisions are made.

The day-long experiment was hampered by some predictable technical glitches, but seems to have been generally welcomed by on-line readers as a brave attempt by the traditional, mainstream media to engage with its digital audience.

It provided an insight into the previously closed world of newspaper production - helping make the media more transparent and accountable. It also gave a close-up of the extraordinary new demands which are being placed on journalists as technology advances.

This is Part 2 of the Daily Post’s Editorial Conference.