Engage Brain Open Mind: 12 Essential News Media Tumblrs You Should Follow

12 Essential News Media Tumblrs You Should Follow

via Mashable! by Vadim Lavrusik on 10/3/10

With Tumblr growing rapidly, it’s attracted a number of media organizations both local and national that are looking to engage their audience in a new way and perhaps attract new readers. But it’s not just about promoting their own content.
Many of the media organizations jumping on the simple blogging platform are using the tool to curate content for their audience and start a dialogue with readers. Mark Coatney, the media evangelist at Tumblr who was likely hired in part because of his tremendous success managing the Newsweek Tumblr, said participation in the Tumblr community is what makes a media blog effective. That is, they are having a conversation with the community, not just about what the brand is doing.
“They’re good conversationalists — they have interesting things to say, they’re courteous, and they’re interested in what others have to say,” Coatney said. “A great media Tumblr is one that does all that and has a great individual voice.”
We’ve highlighted 12 media Tumblrs that are well worth following, along with a bonus list of others worth a look. If there are any great ones we’ve missed, please share them in the comments.

Newsweek

Newsweek's Tumblr is often credited as one of the best media Tumblrs. In fact, it was so good that Tumblr hired its author, Mark Coatney, to be their media evangelist.Not only does it sport a nicely customized theme, but the content shows a clear understanding of the Tumblr community. At the same time, it provides content that is consistent with the Newsweek brand (most of the time). Although the Tumblr does point to Newsweek.com content, it also shows great voice and personality, often curating content from around the web.

Front Pages

Front Pages is just that: the daily front pages of major newspapers and links to their top stories brought to you by the Newseum. The Tumblr includes the front pages of The New York Times, The Guardian, The Wall Street Journal, USA Today, The Washington Post, Chicago Tribune, The Boston Globe, and The San Francisco Chronicle. A very simple and easy way to get your news fix in the morning, right from your Tumblr Dashboard.

The Atlantic

If you love The Atlantic, you'll love its Tumblr. Taking a few notes from Newsweek's playbook, The Atlantic does a good job of curating content from the web (or the Tumblr community via reblogs) and featuring snippets of their own content in unique ways.

The Los Angeles Times: Go

Instead of creating a corresponding Tumblr, The Los Angeles Times did something unique. They created created Go Mobile, which focuses specifically on "what to do with your phone." L.A. Times Go is all about mobile, utilizing Tumblr as a way to not only post original snippets but to connect with its audience through Tumblr's built-in engagement features, like its "Answers" functionality.

Today Show

The Today Show Tumblr is a great complement to the broadcast, often posting videos from the show or content from MSNBC, which also has a Tumblr. However, the gems (like this quote) it finds from across the web are what make it truly worth following.

The New Yorker

The New Yorker Tumblr mostly promotes its website and magazine content in a more conversational tone. It also utilizes the many unique posting formats Tumblr offers, from audio to quotes to video. If you enjoy the quality content The New Yorker puts out, you'll won't go wrong by following that content it tumbles.

ProPublica

ProPublica, the independent, non-profit that produces investigative journalism, has created a great Tumblr that serves one purpose: showcasing the "darndest" quotes from public officials.

LIFE

LIFE was made for Tumblr, were photography is so elegantly shared. It's easy to scroll through photos, or click through slideshows on the platform, and LIFE uses its Tumblr to showcase its iconic photography. It also focuses on engaging with its readers and creating a place where dialogue can take place easily around the content.

The Huffington Post

The Huffington Post Tumblr is part behind-the-scenes promotions of its projects and part curation of the Tumblr and web community. The content is everything from reblogs of interesting news or video to a blurb about a new feature on the main site.

NPR Fresh Air

NPR Fresh Air, an extension of National Public Radio's Fresh Air with Terry Gross, does a great job using its Tumblr to engage readers through the questions feature, and often receives dozens of responses. NPR has a general Tumblr as well.

The Economist

The Economist Tumblr has a great voice behind its posts and a beautiful magazine theme design, showcasing its content in a grid format. It takes part in the Tumblr community by recommending other blogs to follow for "Tumblr Tuesday."

Utne Reader

Utne Reader, an alternative magazine, offers some great finds in its Tumblr that match its editorial voice on "independent ideas and alternative culture."

BONUS: MashableHQ.com

Of course, you can't go wrong with the Mashable HQ Tumblr if you want a behind-the-scenes look at Mashable. It's the place to go for reader submissions, contests and curated content from the Tumblr community.