This week I’m writing about a topic very close to my heart - the very website you’re reading right now: CyprusNewsReport.com. I co-founded the site with a vision of creating a cross between mainstream news media and community network, giving people a real voice in the media.

The reasons we need a site like this are many:

• Traditional media control society’s agenda with a top-down approach;
• Traditional media are controlled by political and business agendas;
• Society rarely gets to read an independent view;
• Traditional media block access to their channel unless you pay large amounts of money to advertise;
• There are serious issues in our community that are not being paid attention to;
• True freedom of the press comes from the voice of the people;
• Large political parties need to reconnect with their grass roots;
• Large companies need to get closer to their markets;
• Active and socially-aware citizens need more exposure;
• Talented people need more exposure for their work and passions.

So, CNR News Club was born, where you can open an account, start networking with likeminded people and blog as much as you want to reach a wider audience. Here is where the line blurs with social media like Facebook; social media open a two-way communications channel, and so does CNR News Club.

CNR is a true community of people who want to change things by using the power of words. At the same time, there is a core of professional journalists who write the news and developments in politics, economics and a host of other topics.

The winning combination, giving a platform and opportunities to everyone who wants to write about their passions, talents, activism.

Success stories

Our bloggers have brought attention to their passions which include animal welfare, great food, finance, motivation, holistic counseling, creative writing and more.

CNR News Club has made the media more democratic, and at the same time, we offer a great promotional package for writers who need more recognition and exposure for their work. We have helped authors, activists and artists get seen by many thousands of readers, pushing them to the next level in their careers.

CNR is unique in that it is a news community. Everyone is welcome, see what is behind the front page and start making some changes!

Social Media Digest highlights interesting social media trends and is sponsored by the digital marketing communications consultancy and video productions firm Jazz Arts & Communications, written by Sarah Fenwick.