Community Corner

Patch Expands Network with Sites in Primary States, Military Installments

In preparation for the 2012 presidential election, Patch will launch sites in 33 sites in primary states. The first Military Patch launched last week in Camp Pendleton.

For the past six months, we've done our best to tell you anything and everything about Romeoville Patch and all the features our site has to offer.

With all the changes we've experienced since we launched in December, it might be hard to keep up. That's why, every so often, I like to share with readers the latest updates from Patch headquarters in New York — including  app and  by our parent company, AOL.

As many of you (hopefully) know, Patch.com is a network of hyperlocal news and information sites managed by professional local journalists, photographers and videographers. We aim to become the premier online destination for residents who want to participate in discussions, post information and announcements, and get involved in their communities.

Find out what's happening in Romeovillewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Patch is now part of AOL Huffington Post Media Group, and has more than 800 sites in 18 states, plus Washington D.C.

Today, I'm happy to share with you some news out of New York today about the further expansion of Patch. This year, the company will launch 33 new sites in New Hampshire, Iowa and South Carolina — the first three states to hold primary elections in 2012.

Find out what's happening in Romeovillewith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The company has also announced the launch of the first Patch Military site: Camp Pendleton Patch.

 “With its hyperlocal focus, Patch has the ability to be the eyes and ears for what is happening at the grassroots level all across the country,” said Arianna Huffington, President and Editor-in-Chief of AOL Huffington Post Media Group. “By expanding to key primary states, Patch positions itself squarely on the front lines of the presidential campaign and will be able to deliver a real-time snapshot of how pivotal communities are reacting to candidates — as well as immediate feedback on whether the issues that matter most to these towns are being addressed. Patch Military is a particularly satisfying new offering, in keeping with our efforts to ensure that America’s military families have the support they have earned."

The 33 new primary state sites will reflect the traditional Patch model of local news, information, and community interaction, and provide a platform for citizens, candidates and influencers to discuss local issues and events, including the impact of national and state issues on the local landscape heading into the 2012 election season. Additionally, the sites will offer interactive features like blogging and polls, social media tools, candidate questionnaires and video interviews.

“Since our launch in 2009, Patch’s mission has been to offer the most trusted local news and information via our platform, our team of professional journalists in each town, and active participation in the communities we serve,” said Warren Webster, president of Patch Media. “These new sites perfectly align with that mission. Primary state Patches will empower citizens to consume and share election information in some of the most politically engaged areas of the country. Through Patch Military, members of the armed services and their families will have a comprehensive resource to find and share the information that is most important to them."

Patch also recently launched its blogging platform,  inviting engaged citizens and civic leaders to share their perspectives and have a voice in their communities.

Later this year, Patch will launch three sites as part of its recently announced Patch Latino initiative. The sites will reflect the traditional Patch model of local news, community and information and also offer dedicated coverage of topics of special interest to the Latino population. All editorial content on the sites will be in Spanish.

If you'd like to know more about Patch, from the initiatives in New York to the local projects right here in Romeoville, email shannon.antinori@patch.com.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here