Social media has revolutionized the way we communicate effectively shrinking continents into a miniscule world that exchanges information at unbelievable speed via pure fiber technology.
Treading along this technology marvel, two Pampanga-based mediamen, pondered of launching the first ever online news portal in Central Luzon.
On June 6, 2016, iOrbitNews went online and formally launched on August 24, 2016.
More than four years ago, over a cup of ‘tsokolate batirol’ and ‘bibingka’ (rice cake), the first online news portal in Central Luzon was conceptualized. It was a time when most of Pampanga-based scribes suddenly found themselves jobless as three local papers stopped operations – Pampanga News, Headline Gitnang Luzon, and Central Luzon Daily.
With most people all over the world now glued to their mobile phones, the advent of social media was phenomenal. Vital information, news and current affairs, weather reports, shopping, advertising, etc. can be had with a flicker of your fingertips. Most people now get their news, transact business, book their flights and process other information via their smart phones.
When the dreaded coronavirus or COVID-19 pandemic struck nations, the newspapers and TV networks or what they call ‘traditional media’ temporarily stopped operations altogether. In Central Luzon, iOrbitNews kept the public informed during the lockdown period and the analytics showed substantial increase in traffic to the news site. Content is king and content that is posted in real time makes the news portal more relevant.
Social media is a game changer as far as news dissemination and marketing are concerned. Online news portals have the leverage to post their stories in real time ahead of their competitions in the traditional media. Small businesses can now promote their products as long as they want at no cost. Design apps that will make for a good advert will allow them to take advantage of the social media.
Why advertise in newspapers when you can promote your own small business via Facebook or in any other social media portals. iOrbitNews online news portal was founded by former Pampanga Press Club President Deng Pangilinan in a bid to provide an independent news source in Central Luzon. It is now staffed with fresh graduates, school writers and prominent individuals in various fields.