Diane Hoffman

Social media has directly changed the way newspapers get news to readers. With the 24 hour TV news cycle, breaking news developing in real time on Twitter, and then shared all over Facebook, newspapers have had a lot to catch up on over the last few years. 

 

I started my career in journalism in 1998 designing newspaper pages for a weekly newspaper. In the years since, I have redirected my skill of drawing readers into a story from using page design to using social media. Today I am the digital editor at The Mercury newspaper in Pottstown, Pa. In this position, I am responsible for maintaining The Mercury's website, pottsmerc.com, by posting stories written by reporters, the Associated Press, as well as articles written by our sister papers in the tri-county area. I also manage all of The Mercury's social media sites, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Tout. I also manage our community bloggers on our site, TownSquare. In addition to these responsibilities, I edit copy from our reporters, help plan special projects and occasionally write short stories that appear on our website. I also produce a web show called "Off the Presses.”  I have been the keynote speaker for the TriCounty Area Chamber of Commerce Women of the Workforce Luncheon for a discussion with local small business owners about how to effectively use social media in their business.

 

Through the years, I have helped The Mercury become a successful online news outlet in addition to keeping its position as a successful print paper.

 

As a long distance triathlete, I am no stranger to hard work, determination and a healthy lifestyle. I am a member of the Philadelphia Triathlon Club and the USA Triathlon Association.