https://geojournalism.org/author/imelda-albano/ Best tools for multimedia reporting Fri, 31 Oct 2014 18:31:19 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://s0.wp.com/i/webclip.png https://geojournalism.org/author/imelda-albano/ 32 32 239681374 https://geojournalism.org/2013/10/frontlinesms-how-to-create-a-mobile-newsroom-for-disaster-reporting/ Imelda Albaño Sun, 20 Oct 2013 16:50:44 +0000 Crowdsourcing Data Mobile https://geojournalism.oeco.org.br/?p=792 <p>Communicating During Crisis The Philippines is an island nation of more than 100 million people living &#160;at the doorstep of climate change.&#160;Each year Filipinos face recurring natural disaster;&#160;enduring typhoons, severe drought, floods, and coastal erosion. As journalists living in a country where disaster is a fact of life, the Philippine Network of Environmental Journalists (which [&#8230;]</p> <p>The post <a href="https://geojournalism.org/2013/10/frontlinesms-how-to-create-a-mobile-newsroom-for-disaster-reporting/">FrontlineSMS: How to Create a Mobile Newsroom for Disaster Reporting</a> appeared first on <a href="https://geojournalism.org">geojournalism.org</a>.</p> <h1 class="summary-item" id="communicating-during-crisis"><a href="#communicating-during-crisis">Communicating During Crisis</a></h1> <p>The Philippines is an island nation of more than 100 million people living  at the doorstep of climate change. Each year Filipinos face recurring natural disaster; enduring typhoons, severe drought, floods, and coastal erosion. As journalists living in a country where disaster is a fact of life, the <a href="https://pnej.org/">Philippine Network of Environmental Journalists</a> (which I am president of) has turned our attention to delivering disaster-affected people with critical, actionable information.</p> <p>Using SMS reporting, PNEJ journalists can reach audiences ranging from isolated villages to government agencies quickly during and after a typhoon or other disaster, to share information such as flood warnings or to locate areas where rescue teams are most needed.</p> <p>The team behind <a href="https://environews.ph/">Philippine EnviroNews</a> doesn’t only report on disaster and climate change. Rather, the text messaging system is used to manage a national newsroom that covers topics that include agriculture, eco-cities, biodiversity, water, health, energy, waste and international policies including their impact on local communities.</p> <h1 class="summary-item" id="what-is-frontlinesms"><a href="#what-is-frontlinesms">What is FrontlineSMS?</a></h1> <p><a href="https://www.frontlinesms.com/">FrontlineSMS</a> is a free, open source software that turns a laptop and a mobile phone or modem into a central communications hub to facilitate structured communication between members of the network and the public.</p> <p>Once installed, the program enables users to send, receive, and manage incoming and outgoing SMS messages, including multimedia messaging. Because it uses text messaging technology, it offers a group such as PNEJ a low-cost option to setup a central communication hub for its journalism projects.</p> <p>All data lives on the computer, rather than on a server controlled by someone else so the communication manager has better control to traffic information sent to the network.</p> <h1 class="summary-item" id="required-materials"><a href="#required-materials">Required Materials</a></h1> <ul> <li>Basic infrastructure: A working power source, and access to GSM network</li> <li>Hub: Computer with USB serial ports (Windows system is preferred)</li> <li>Compatible USB modem with SIM card (Most Huawei E Series GSM modems and ZTE Inc.MF627 GSM modems are compatible. To check for the system requirements, go to <a href="https://devices.frontlinesms.com/pub">https://devices.frontlinesms.com/pub</a>)</li> <li>SIM card with prepaid or postpaid credits to send and receive message that is compatible with the USB modem</li> <li>FrontlineSMS software (Free download: <a href="https://www.frontlinesms.com/technologies/download/">https://www.frontlinesms.com/technologies/download/</a>)</li> <li>Internet connection for the computer.</li> </ul> <p>After receiving the SMS reports via the communication hub, the next step is for the communications manager to connect the system to the EnviroNews.ph website. For this, the setup required the following:</p> <ul> <li>Admin access to a publication’s website</li> <li>Email account to register for a social media accounts</li> <li>Twitter account named after your publication. Our is  EnviroNews.ph (<a href="https://twitter.com/EnviroNewsph">@EnviroNewsph</a>)</li> <li>TweetyMail account to receive SMS from FrontlineSMS system and send to Twitter</li> <li>Twitter widget to show real-time updates of SMS reports from the field</li> <li>Internet connection</li> </ul> <p>For field reporters, any mobile phone that can send and receive SMS is needed. It is crucial for the reporters to know the network’s mobile number and the keywords for sending reports. Subscribers enrolled in the system can receive updates and also send reports, comments, or inquiries.</p> <h1 class="summary-item" id="download-and-install-frontlinesms"><a href="#download-and-install-frontlinesms">Download and Install FrontLineSMS</a></h1> <p>First, download FrontlineSMS (Version 1.6.63 for Windows) from <a href="https://www.frontlinesms.com/technologies/download/">https://www.frontlinesms.com/technologies/download/</a>) on any dedicated netbook or computer.</p> <div class="et-box et-info"> <div class="et-box-content">Note that the computer should be dedicated for this use and will remain operational 24/7 to receive reports. Access to the internet is also required to connect SMS messages to online platforms like twitter or your own website.</div></div> <p>Version 1 is FrontlineSMS’s main product from 2008 to 2012 and is currently the only version to support the following features needed for the project:</p> <ul> <li>Contact sub-groups</li> <li>Frontline forms</li> <li>Translation Manager</li> <li>Auto-forward to Email (Crucial for sending SMS reports to the EnviroNews.ph website)</li> <li>Reminders</li> </ul> <p>After downloading, install the FrontlineSMS (Version 1.6.63) on a computer and get familiar with the menus for configuring the setup.</p> <h1 class="summary-item" id="understanding-the-frontlinesms-1-o-interface"><a href="#understanding-the-frontlinesms-1-o-interface">Understanding the FrontLineSMS 1.o Interface</a></h1> <p>Now that you have the FronlineSMS software on your computer you will presented with this window:</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://geojournalism.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/Frontline_HomePage.jpg"><img alt="Frontline_HomePage" class="size-full wp-image-857 aligncenter" decoding="async" fetchpriority="high" height="444" sizes="(max-width: 624px) 100vw, 624px" src="https://geojournalism.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/Frontline_HomePage.jpg" srcset="https://geojournalism.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/Frontline_HomePage.jpg 624w, https://geojournalism.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/Frontline_HomePage-300x213.jpg 300w" width="624"/></a></p> <p>In a nutshell, here are the major buttons (located below the top menu bar) and their functions needed for the setup. The Homepage is divided into different sections:</p> <p style="text-align: center;"> </p><div class="et-tabs-container et_sliderfx_fade et_sliderauto_false et_sliderauto_speed_5000 et_slidertype_top_tabs"> <ul class="et-tabs-control"> <li><a href="#"> Menu Bar </a></li> <li><a href="#"> Welcome Page </a></li> <li><a href="#"> Language Panel </a></li> <li><a href="#"> SMS Panel </a></li> <li><a href="#"> Latest Events </a></li> </ul> <!-- .et-tabs-control --> <div class="et-tabs-content"> <div class="et-tabs-content-wrapper"> <div class="et_slidecontent">  Menu bar: Consists of File, Settings, View and Help located at the top-left navigation bar. <a href="https://geojournalism.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/Frontline_HomePage_Menu-Bar.jpg"><img alt="Frontline_HomePage_Menu Bar" class="size-full wp-image-855 aligncenter" decoding="async" height="444" sizes="(max-width: 624px) 100vw, 624px" src="https://geojournalism.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/Frontline_HomePage_Menu-Bar.jpg" srcset="https://geojournalism.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/Frontline_HomePage_Menu-Bar.jpg 624w, https://geojournalism.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/Frontline_HomePage_Menu-Bar-300x213.jpg 300w" width="624"/></a>  </div> <div class="et_slidecontent">  FrontlineSMS Welcome Page: Consists of a window showing the product logo. <a href="https://geojournalism.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/Frontline_HomePage_Welcome-Image.jpg"><img alt="Frontline_HomePage_Welcome Image" class="size-full wp-image-851 aligncenter" decoding="async" height="444" sizes="(max-width: 624px) 100vw, 624px" src="https://geojournalism.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/Frontline_HomePage_Welcome-Image.jpg" srcset="https://geojournalism.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/Frontline_HomePage_Welcome-Image.jpg 624w, https://geojournalism.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/Frontline_HomePage_Welcome-Image-300x213.jpg 300w" width="624"/></a> </div> <div class="et_slidecontent"> Language Panel: Offers major language options for the software interface based on the flag icons. <a href="https://geojournalism.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/Frontline_HomePage_Language-Select.jpg"><img alt="Frontline_HomePage_Language Select" class="size-full wp-image-854 aligncenter" decoding="async" height="444" loading="lazy" sizes="auto, (max-width: 624px) 100vw, 624px" src="https://geojournalism.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/Frontline_HomePage_Language-Select.jpg" srcset="https://geojournalism.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/Frontline_HomePage_Language-Select.jpg 624w, https://geojournalism.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/Frontline_HomePage_Language-Select-300x213.jpg 300w" width="624"/></a>  </div> <div class="et_slidecontent"> SMS Panel: Allows sending of a message to members (PNEJ reporters) enrolled in the system. It also shows the prepaid credits, based on the number of messages sent by the network’s hub. <a href="https://geojournalism.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/Frontline_HomePage_SMS-box.jpg"><img alt="Frontline_HomePage_SMS box" class="size-full wp-image-852 aligncenter" decoding="async" height="444" loading="lazy" sizes="auto, (max-width: 624px) 100vw, 624px" src="https://geojournalism.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/Frontline_HomePage_SMS-box.jpg" srcset="https://geojournalism.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/Frontline_HomePage_SMS-box.jpg 624w, https://geojournalism.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/Frontline_HomePage_SMS-box-300x213.jpg 300w" width="624"/></a> </div> <div class="et_slidecontent"> Latest Events: Summarizes the messages and emails sent and received over the network. <a href="https://geojournalism.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/Frontline_HomePage_latest-Events.jpg"><img alt="Frontline_HomePage_latest Events" class="size-full wp-image-853 aligncenter" decoding="async" height="444" loading="lazy" sizes="auto, (max-width: 624px) 100vw, 624px" src="https://geojournalism.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/Frontline_HomePage_latest-Events.jpg" srcset="https://geojournalism.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/Frontline_HomePage_latest-Events.jpg 624w, https://geojournalism.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/Frontline_HomePage_latest-Events-300x213.jpg 300w" width="624"/></a>  </div> </div> </div> </div> .et-tabs-container <p></p> <p>In addition to the major interface for sending and monitoring SMS messages, there are a series ofr buttons (located below the top menu bar) needed for the setup. These buttons are near the top of the window.</p> <p style="text-align: center;"> </p><div class="et-tabs-container et_sliderfx_fade et_sliderauto_false et_sliderauto_speed_5000 et_slidertype_top_tabs"> <ul class="et-tabs-control"> <li><a href="#"> Home </a></li> <li><a href="#"> Contacts </a></li> <li><a href="#"> Keywords </a></li> <li><a href="#"> Messages </a></li> <li><a href="#"> Emails </a></li> <li><a href="#"> Phones </a></li> </ul> <!-- .et-tabs-control --> <div class="et-tabs-content"> <div class="et-tabs-content-wrapper"> <div class="et_slidecontent">  <strong>Home</strong>: Allows you to view the current messages (SMS or email) sent to the system by authenticated users and groups. <a href="https://geojournalism.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/Frontline_HomePage_home-button.jpg"><img alt="Frontline_HomePage_home button" class="size-full wp-image-840 aligncenter" decoding="async" height="56" loading="lazy" sizes="auto, (max-width: 367px) 100vw, 367px" src="https://geojournalism.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/Frontline_HomePage_home-button.jpg" srcset="https://geojournalism.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/Frontline_HomePage_home-button.jpg 367w, https://geojournalism.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/Frontline_HomePage_home-button-300x45.jpg 300w" width="367"/></a><p></p> <p style="text-align: center;"> </p></div> <div class="et_slidecontent"> <strong>Contacts</strong>: Consists of the list of names and at least one mobile number, an email address, user group/s and additional information as deemed necessary for the system. <a href="https://geojournalism.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/Frontline_HomePage_contact-button.jpg"><img alt="Frontline_HomePage_contact button" class="size-full wp-image-841 aligncenter" decoding="async" height="56" loading="lazy" sizes="auto, (max-width: 367px) 100vw, 367px" src="https://geojournalism.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/Frontline_HomePage_contact-button.jpg" srcset="https://geojournalism.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/Frontline_HomePage_contact-button.jpg 367w, https://geojournalism.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/Frontline_HomePage_contact-button-300x45.jpg 300w" width="367"/></a> </div> <div class="et_slidecontent"> <strong>Keywords</strong>: Serve as shortcut for automated commands established between the system and the user. <a href="https://geojournalism.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/Frontline_HomePage_keywords-button.jpg"><img alt="Frontline_HomePage_keywords button" class="size-full wp-image-842 aligncenter" decoding="async" height="56" loading="lazy" sizes="auto, (max-width: 367px) 100vw, 367px" src="https://geojournalism.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/Frontline_HomePage_keywords-button.jpg" srcset="https://geojournalism.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/Frontline_HomePage_keywords-button.jpg 367w, https://geojournalism.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/Frontline_HomePage_keywords-button-300x45.jpg 300w" width="367"/></a> </div> <div class="et_slidecontent"> <strong>Messages</strong>: These are the messages (SMS or email from SMS) sent by the user over the system and into the target media for publishing (i.e. cellphone subscribers, Twitter or website). <a href="https://geojournalism.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/Frontline_HomePage_messages-button.jpg"><img alt="Frontline_HomePage_messages button" class="size-full wp-image-844 aligncenter" decoding="async" height="56" loading="lazy" sizes="auto, (max-width: 367px) 100vw, 367px" src="https://geojournalism.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/Frontline_HomePage_messages-button.jpg" srcset="https://geojournalism.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/Frontline_HomePage_messages-button.jpg 367w, https://geojournalism.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/Frontline_HomePage_messages-button-300x45.jpg 300w" width="367"/></a>  </div> <div class="et_slidecontent"> <strong>Emails</strong>: Consists of the emails sent to the system using keywords for publishing in a social media account (Twitter or Facebook) or website (Environews.ph). <a href="https://geojournalism.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/Frontline_HomePage_emails-button.jpg"><img alt="Frontline_HomePage_emails button" class="size-full wp-image-845 aligncenter" decoding="async" height="56" loading="lazy" sizes="auto, (max-width: 367px) 100vw, 367px" src="https://geojournalism.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/Frontline_HomePage_emails-button.jpg" srcset="https://geojournalism.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/Frontline_HomePage_emails-button.jpg 367w, https://geojournalism.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/Frontline_HomePage_emails-button-300x45.jpg 300w" width="367"/></a> </div> <div class="et_slidecontent"> <strong>Phones</strong>: This allows you to connect, disconnect and check the connection status of the frontline to a dedicated SMS dongle or phone, which will be used to receive and send the SMS messages between the system and the user. <a href="https://geojournalism.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/Frontline_HomePage_phones-button.jpg"><img alt="Frontline_HomePage_phones button" class="size-full wp-image-846 aligncenter" decoding="async" height="56" loading="lazy" sizes="auto, (max-width: 367px) 100vw, 367px" src="https://geojournalism.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/Frontline_HomePage_phones-button.jpg" srcset="https://geojournalism.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/Frontline_HomePage_phones-button.jpg 367w, https://geojournalism.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/Frontline_HomePage_phones-button-300x45.jpg 300w" width="367"/></a> </div>  </div> </div> </div> .et-tabs-container <p></p> <p><strong> </strong></p> <h1 class="summary-item" id="connecting-a-cell-phone-usb-modem"><a href="#connecting-a-cell-phone-usb-modem">Connecting a Cell Phone / USB Modem</a></h1> <p>FrontlineSMS gives you the ability to connect to the cellular network via a SIM card. You can attach either a cell phone or a USB modem to your computer to access this network.  You can check FrontlineSMS’s <a href="https://devices.frontlinesms.com/pub">Device Database</a> for an overview of compatible hardware.</p> <p style="text-align: center;"> </p><div class="et-tabs-container et_sliderfx_fade et_sliderauto_false et_sliderauto_speed_5000 et_slidertype_top_tabs"> <ul class="et-tabs-control"> <li><a href="#"> Step 1 </a></li> <li><a href="#"> Step 2 </a></li> <li><a href="#"> Step 3 </a></li> <li><a href="#"> Step 4 </a></li> <li><a href="#"> Step 5 </a></li> <li><a href="#"> Step 6 </a></li> <li><a href="#"> Troubleshooting </a></li> </ul> <!-- .et-tabs-control --> <div class="et-tabs-content"> <div class="et-tabs-content-wrapper"> <div class="et_slidecontent">  First off, if the FrontlineSMS application is open, close it/exit before plugging in your SIM card device.   </div> <div class="et_slidecontent"> Plug in your SIM card device (either a compatible mobile phone or USB modem).  </div> <div class="et_slidecontent"> Your computer will now recognize the device you have plugged in. This may take a few moments.  </div> <div class="et_slidecontent"> Restart FronlineSMS  </div> <div class="et_slidecontent"> Click on the Phones tab <a href="https://geojournalism.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/Frontline_HomePage_phones-button.jpg"><img alt="Frontline_HomePage_phones button" class="size-full wp-image-846 aligncenter" decoding="async" height="56" loading="lazy" sizes="auto, (max-width: 367px) 100vw, 367px" src="https://geojournalism.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/Frontline_HomePage_phones-button.jpg" srcset="https://geojournalism.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/Frontline_HomePage_phones-button.jpg 367w, https://geojournalism.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/Frontline_HomePage_phones-button-300x45.jpg 300w" width="367"/></a> </div> <div class="et_slidecontent"> You can now configure your phone to send and receive messages through FrontlineSMS. Eventually you may want a SIM card (phone number) to be dedicated to sending and another to receiving if you want to limit message sending for financial or other reasons. <a href="https://geojournalism.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/Frontline_Modem_Config.png"><img alt="Frontline_Modem_Config" class="wp-image-888 aligncenter" decoding="async" height="421" loading="lazy" sizes="auto, (max-width: 638px) 100vw, 638px" src="https://geojournalism.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/Frontline_Modem_Config.png" srcset="https://geojournalism.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/Frontline_Modem_Config.png 1064w, https://geojournalism.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/Frontline_Modem_Config-300x197.png 300w, https://geojournalism.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/Frontline_Modem_Config-1024x674.png 1024w" width="638"/></a> </div> <div class="et_slidecontent"> There are multiple issues that can arise when setting up your phone number in FrontlineSMS. FrontlineSMS maintains an active <a href="https://frontlinecloud.zendesk.com/home">help desk</a> and <a href="https://frontlinesms.ning.com/">community </a>that you can consult if you are running into problems. TechChange also has a short video online that details some common issues that people face during this step. <iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="360" loading="lazy" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/_1PXMUmZEK4" width="480"></iframe> </div>  </div> </div> </div> .et-tabs-container <p></p> <h1 class="summary-item" id="adding-and-organizing-contacts"><a href="#adding-and-organizing-contacts">Adding and Organizing Contacts</a></h1> <p>Create a contact list on the FrontlineSMS server under the Contacts Manager button. For the project, PNEJ has prepared a members’ list (in a spreadsheet), including their mobile numbers, emails.</p> <p>To add a contact:</p> <p style="text-align: center;"> </p><div class="et-tabs-container et_sliderfx_fade et_sliderauto_false et_sliderauto_speed_5000 et_slidertype_top_tabs"> <ul class="et-tabs-control"> <li><a href="#"> Click New Contact </a></li> <li><a href="#"> Enter Contact </a></li> <li><a href="#"> Save </a></li> </ul> <!-- .et-tabs-control --> <div class="et-tabs-content"> <div class="et-tabs-content-wrapper"> <div class="et_slidecontent"> Click New Contact on the lower menu <a href="https://geojournalism.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/Frontline_Contracts_Page_Button_Location.png"><img alt="Frontline_Contracts_Page_Button_Location" class="wp-image-861 aligncenter" decoding="async" height="461" loading="lazy" sizes="auto, (max-width: 614px) 100vw, 614px" src="https://geojournalism.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/Frontline_Contracts_Page_Button_Location.png" srcset="https://geojournalism.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/Frontline_Contracts_Page_Button_Location.png 1024w, https://geojournalism.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/Frontline_Contracts_Page_Button_Location-300x225.png 300w" width="614"/></a>  </div> <div class="et_slidecontent"> Fill up the information for Name, Mobile Number and Email Address. <a href="https://geojournalism.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/Frontline_Add_A_Contact.png"><img alt="Frontline_Add_A_Contact" class="wp-image-859 aligncenter" decoding="async" height="461" loading="lazy" sizes="auto, (max-width: 614px) 100vw, 614px" src="https://geojournalism.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/Frontline_Add_A_Contact.png" srcset="https://geojournalism.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/Frontline_Add_A_Contact.png 1024w, https://geojournalism.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/Frontline_Add_A_Contact-300x225.png 300w" width="614"/></a> </div> <div class="et_slidecontent">  For Current Status, click Active to make sure the enrolled PNEJ member can send and receive messages over the networks. <a href="https://geojournalism.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/Frontline_Add_A_Contact_Current_Status.png"><img alt="Frontline_Add_A_Contact_Current_Status" class="wp-image-860 aligncenter" decoding="async" height="461" loading="lazy" sizes="auto, (max-width: 614px) 100vw, 614px" src="https://geojournalism.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/Frontline_Add_A_Contact_Current_Status.png" srcset="https://geojournalism.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/Frontline_Add_A_Contact_Current_Status.png 1024w, https://geojournalism.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/Frontline_Add_A_Contact_Current_Status-300x225.png 300w" width="614"/></a> </div> <div class="et_slidecontent">  Click Save.  </div>  </div> </div> </div> .et-tabs-container <p></p> <p>The next step involves the creation of <strong>Groups</strong>, which will be crucial to determine who gets the messages and the corresponding action to facilitate proper action upon receiving the message or field reports.</p> <p>Before creating a contact group, make sure to identify the organizational structure to facilitate the functions of each member. For this project, the Technical Working Group of PNEJ designated these functions and their respective roles:</p> <p><strong>Final Editors:</strong> This refers to the project managers who has access to the central communication hub or the infrastructure and server of the FrontlineSMS. Using the FrontlineSMS system, they can</p> <ul> <li>Screen and edit the final format of the message before it gets posted on the EnviroNews.ph website.</li> <li>Send and receive SMS and email messages to all, specific groups, or individual members in the network.</li> <li>Edit and manage the functions of story editors and field reporters.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Story Editors:</strong> This refers to the 5 designated editors who will receive and manage stories based on the story categories3 under the EnviroNews.ph website. Their function involves:</p> <ul> <li>Receive and edit report from field reporters based on story merit.</li> <li>Send edited and verified reports with potential for posting for final review of the Top Editors.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Field Reporters:</strong> This refers to members who can send field reports in the form of SMS and photos to the system using an assigned mobile number (based on the SIM card inserted in the modem). They can also receive announcements from the network’s story editors and final editors.</p> <p>While preparing the member’s list, PNEJ also conducted a survey on the topics of interest of each member based on 10 story categories found on EnviroNews.ph: Disasters, Climate Change, Agriculture, Eco-cities, Biodiversity, Water, Health, Energy, Waste, and International. This is a crucial step for the setup of the system’s KEYWORDS (Step Six).</p> <p><strong>Create A Group:</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"> </p><div class="et-tabs-container et_sliderfx_fade et_sliderauto_false et_sliderauto_speed_5000 et_slidertype_top_tabs"> <ul class="et-tabs-control"> <li><a href="#"> Step 1 </a></li> <li><a href="#"> Step 2 </a></li> <li><a href="#"> Step 3 </a></li>   <li><a href="#"> Step 4 </a></li>   </ul> <!-- .et-tabs-control --> <div class="et-tabs-content"> <div class="et-tabs-content-wrapper"> <div class="et_slidecontent"> Click the New Group button on the Contacts Manager bar. On the pop-up menu that appears, type the group name. For example, Editors who will receive field reports and edit them for accurate content and proper grammar before the story gets posted on the EnviroNews.ph website. Click OK. <a href="https://geojournalism.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/Frontline_NewGroups_Pixelated.jpg"><img alt="Frontline_NewGroups_Pixelated" class="wp-image-830 aligncenter" decoding="async" height="426" loading="lazy" sizes="auto, (max-width: 614px) 100vw, 614px" src="https://geojournalism.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/Frontline_NewGroups_Pixelated-1024x710.jpg" srcset="https://geojournalism.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/Frontline_NewGroups_Pixelated-1024x710.jpg 1024w, https://geojournalism.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/Frontline_NewGroups_Pixelated-300x208.jpg 300w, https://geojournalism.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/Frontline_NewGroups_Pixelated.jpg 1180w" width="614"/></a>Note that there is no edit function after creating a group’s name so finalize the list of groups before creating them. In case of typographical or spelling errors to be corrected, create the group with the correct name and delete the group with an incorrect name.  </div> <div class="et_slidecontent"> Click All Contacts Tab (Default Group) and pick a name on the list to add to the new group (Editors). In this case, the selected member’s name will be highlighted.  <a href="https://geojournalism.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/Frontline_Groups_Naming_Mosaic.jpg"><img alt="Frontline_Groups_Naming_Mosaic" class="wp-image-832 aligncenter" decoding="async" height="425" loading="lazy" sizes="auto, (max-width: 614px) 100vw, 614px" src="https://geojournalism.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/Frontline_Groups_Naming_Mosaic-1024x708.jpg" srcset="https://geojournalism.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/Frontline_Groups_Naming_Mosaic-1024x708.jpg 1024w, https://geojournalism.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/Frontline_Groups_Naming_Mosaic-300x207.jpg 300w, https://geojournalism.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/Frontline_Groups_Naming_Mosaic.jpg 1174w" width="614"/></a>  </div>  <div class="et_slidecontent">  Click Edit under the window displaying the members’ list. A pop-up menu appears detailing the email, mobile number and current status of the contact.  <a href="https://geojournalism.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/Frontline_Groups_Mosic.jpg"><img alt="Frontline_Groups_Mosic" class="wp-image-831 aligncenter" decoding="async" height="340" loading="lazy" sizes="auto, (max-width: 614px) 100vw, 614px" src="https://geojournalism.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/Frontline_Groups_Mosic-1024x566.jpg" srcset="https://geojournalism.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/Frontline_Groups_Mosic-1024x566.jpg 1024w, https://geojournalism.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/Frontline_Groups_Mosic-300x165.jpg 300w, https://geojournalism.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/Frontline_Groups_Mosic.jpg 1185w" width="614"/></a> </div>  <div class="et_slidecontent">  On the Group’s information window, click Add to Group (Step 1) and Select Editors from the New pop-up window (Step 2). Click OK to save changes.  </div>   </div> </div> </div> .et-tabs-container <p></p> <h1 class="summary-item" id="using-keywords"><a href="#using-keywords">Using Keywords</a></h1> <p>The next step involves the creation of a map of Keywords. In FrontlineSMS, keywords correspond to a string of automated commands determined for a specific user or group’s function.</p> <p>Before inputing the keywords into the system, it is crucial to create an outline of the keywords to be used to streamline the process of its use. The PNEJ SMS Reporting system has three layers of keywords for each user group, which also correspond to how the system is used:</p> <ul> <li><strong>Story Keywords for Field Reporters</strong>: This refers to the 10 story keywords based on the corresponding story category on EnviroNews.ph. Field reporters will type these keywords at the beginning of the message (or field report) so that the FrontlineSMS system will automatically send the message to the assigned editor for proper action.</li> <li><strong>Edit1 for Story Editors</strong>: This refers to the command used by the Story Editors, who after receiving, editing, and verifying the content of the field report, sends the message to the FrontlineSMS system hotline, which then automatically sends it to the Top Editors.</li> <li><strong>Publish for Top Editors:</strong> This refers to the command used by the Top Editors to publish in real-time the SMS field report on the EnviroNews.ph website, via its Twitter account. By typing this keyword at the beginning of the message (all within the 140-character limit of Twitter) and sending it to the FrontlineSMS hotline, the system will forward it via an email account that is linked to Twitter using a Tweetymail account. Visitors of the website can see the real-time updates from the ground via the Twitter widget.</li> </ul> <p>With this in mind, here are some of the 12 keywords (10 Story Keywords, Edit1 and Publish) created by PNEJ to align with the sections of the EnviroNews.ph website:</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://environews.ph/"><img alt="EnviroNews_Top_Bar" class="aligncenter" decoding="async" height="112" loading="lazy" src="https://geojournalism.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/EnviroNews_Top_Bar-1024x159.png" width="719"/></a></p> <div class="et-box et-info"> <div class="et-box-content"> The instructions below offers a break down of each of the 10 story catagory  found on the EnviroNews.ph website. Field reporters can use when sending their stories to the editors. These keywords are specific to this project and are just one example of how SMS keywords can be used for journalism </div></div> <p><strong>STORY KEYWORDS:</strong></p> <p>DISASTERS for stories on typhoons, storm signals, floods, and weather-related incidents.</p> <p>CLIMATE for stories on climate change, weather, and local communities who are experiencing climate change impacts.</p> <p>AGRI for stories on agriculture, sustainable farming methods, and crop technologies to address climate change.</p> <p>ECOCITIES for stories on green architecture, eco-mobility, eco-towns and the creation of climate-smart cities.</p> <p>BIODIVERSITY for stories on new biodiversity hotspots, poaching, and local community efforts to help save the planet.</p> <p>WATER for blue stories such as ocean acidification, coral reef rehabilitation, and marine animal protection.</p> <p>HEALTH for health-related issues on the environment, particularly the rise in dengue and malaria cases, as well as elephantiasis after floods due to stagnant water in low-lying areas.</p> <p>ENERGY for stories on renewable energy, sustainability, fossil fuel and coal,</p> <p>WASTE for stories on urban waste management and issues, recycling, and chemical waste disposal.</p> <p>INTL for stories under the International category, including global reports on the environment, announcements, contests, and opportunities.</p> <h1 class="summary-item" id="connecting-frontlinesms-to-twitter"><a href="#connecting-frontlinesms-to-twitter">Connecting FrontlineSMS to Twitter</a></h1> <p>This section covers how to create a Twitter widget for the website, log in to your Twitter page and click Settings from the right account panel. As mentioned earlier, using Twitter’s own plugin ensures real-time posting of Tweets and field reports on the website compared to third-party plugins.</p> <p style="text-align: center;"> </p><div class="et-tabs-container et_sliderfx_fade et_sliderauto_false et_sliderauto_speed_5000 et_slidertype_top_tabs"> <ul class="et-tabs-control"> <li><a href="#"> Step1 </a></li> <li><a href="#"> Step 2 </a></li> <li><a href="#"> Step 3 </a></li>  <li><a href="#"> Step 4 </a></li>  <li><a href="#"> Step 5 </a></li>  <li><a href="#"> Step 6 </a></li> </ul> <!-- .et-tabs-control --> <div class="et-tabs-content"> <div class="et-tabs-content-wrapper"> <div class="et_slidecontent"> Open up your Twitter profile and select the the your settings panel <a href="https://geojournalism.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/Frontline_Twitter_Step1.png"><img alt="Frontline_Twitter_Step1" class="size-full wp-image-882 aligncenter" decoding="async" height="520" loading="lazy" sizes="auto, (max-width: 862px) 100vw, 862px" src="https://geojournalism.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/Frontline_Twitter_Step1.png" srcset="https://geojournalism.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/Frontline_Twitter_Step1.png 862w, https://geojournalism.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/Frontline_Twitter_Step1-300x180.png 300w" width="862"/></a><p></p> <p>  </p></div> <div class="et_slidecontent"> <p style="text-align: center;">On the left navigation menu, go to Widgets and click Create New. <a href="https://geojournalism.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/Frontline_Twitter_Step2.png"><img alt="Frontline_Twitter_Step2" class="size-full wp-image-877 aligncenter" decoding="async" height="521" loading="lazy" sizes="auto, (max-width: 862px) 100vw, 862px" src="https://geojournalism.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/Frontline_Twitter_Step2.png" srcset="https://geojournalism.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/Frontline_Twitter_Step2.png 862w, https://geojournalism.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/Frontline_Twitter_Step2-300x181.png 300w" width="862"/></a></p> </div> <div class="et_slidecontent"> <p>After configuring the desired format of the widget, save and copy the code on the website to publish the Tweets in real-time. To do this, you need the website admin to input the code on the website page settings.</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://geojournalism.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/Frontline_twitter_Step3.png"><img alt="Frontline_twitter_Step3" class="size-full wp-image-878 aligncenter" decoding="async" height="606" loading="lazy" sizes="auto, (max-width: 859px) 100vw, 859px" src="https://geojournalism.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/Frontline_twitter_Step3.png" srcset="https://geojournalism.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/Frontline_twitter_Step3.png 859w, https://geojournalism.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/Frontline_twitter_Step3-300x211.png 300w" width="859"/></a></p> </div>  <div class="et_slidecontent"> <p style="text-align: center;">Going back to configuring the PUBLISH Keyword for the Top Editors, follow the steps below: Add the PUBLISH to the Keywords List. Configure the command by choosing EMAIL from the Options tab. <a href="https://geojournalism.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/Frontline_Twitter_Step4.png"><img alt="Frontline_Twitter_Step4" class="size-full wp-image-879 aligncenter" decoding="async" height="693" loading="lazy" sizes="auto, (max-width: 869px) 100vw, 869px" src="https://geojournalism.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/Frontline_Twitter_Step4.png" srcset="https://geojournalism.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/Frontline_Twitter_Step4.png 869w, https://geojournalism.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/Frontline_Twitter_Step4-300x239.png 300w" width="869"/></a></p> <p>  </p></div> <div class="et_slidecontent"> Upon clicking the Email option, configure the message bar to include the {message_content}. On the From (Email) bar, input the email you used to register with Twitter and Tweetymail. Seek the help of your web admin to configure the email settings for your website on this. On the To (Email) bar, input <a href="mailto:tweet@tweetymail.com">tweet@tweetymail.com</a>. Click Save.<p></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://geojournalism.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/Frontline_Twitter_Step5.png"><img alt="Frontline_Twitter_Step5" class="size-full wp-image-880 aligncenter" decoding="async" height="690" loading="lazy" sizes="auto, (max-width: 872px) 100vw, 872px" src="https://geojournalism.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/Frontline_Twitter_Step5.png" srcset="https://geojournalism.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/Frontline_Twitter_Step5.png 872w, https://geojournalism.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/Frontline_Twitter_Step5-300x237.png 300w" width="872"/></a></p> <p>  </p></div> <div class="et_slidecontent"> <p>This is how the Twitter widget on EnviroNews.ph displays field reports from members of the project:</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://geojournalism.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/Frontline_Twitter_Step6.png"><img alt="Frontline_Twitter_Step6" class="size-full wp-image-881 aligncenter" decoding="async" height="627" loading="lazy" sizes="auto, (max-width: 864px) 100vw, 864px" src="https://geojournalism.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/Frontline_Twitter_Step6.png" srcset="https://geojournalism.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/Frontline_Twitter_Step6.png 864w, https://geojournalism.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/Frontline_Twitter_Step6-300x217.png 300w" width="864"/></a></p> <p>  </p></div> <div class="et_slidecontent"> </div>  </div> </div> </div> .et-tabs-container <p></p> <div class="author-shortcodes"> <div class="author-inner"> <div class="author-image"> <img alt="" src="https://www.sej.org/sites/default/files/ImeldaAbano_0.jpg"/> <div class="author-overlay"></div> </div> <!-- .author-image --> <div class="author-info">  Imelda Abano is the Founder and President of the Philippine Network of Environmental Journalists, Inc. (PNEJ) and a board member of the Society of Environmental Journalists. She has been covering climate change and environmental issues for the Reuters Thomson Foundation, UK-based Science and Development Network (scidevnet), and InterAksyon. Abano was among the first batch of journalists who launched the Climate Change Media Partnership (CCMP) in 2007 to cover the United Nations-backed climate change conferences. She then became a United Nations Framework of Climate Change Conference (UNFCCC) fellow covering series of climate change negotiations from 2008 to present.  </div> <!-- .author-info --> </div> <!-- .author-inner --> </div> .author-shortcodes <meta content="text/html; charset=utf-8" http-equiv="Content-Type"/> <p>The post <a href="https://geojournalism.org/2013/10/frontlinesms-how-to-create-a-mobile-newsroom-for-disaster-reporting/">FrontlineSMS: How to Create a Mobile Newsroom for Disaster Reporting</a> appeared first on <a href="https://geojournalism.org">geojournalism.org</a>.</p> 792