Sector(s)
KRO-NCRV asked Synetic to merge the websites of De Monitor and Pointer into one online journalistic research platform. The new platform has to serve different target groups with their own needs: participants, viewers/listeners, people who need help, journalists, but also policy makers, experts and 'data nerds'. With the new website Pointer, Synetic has created a cross-media Drupal 9 platform that creates synergy between different target groups and content.
About the project
With the new Pointer website, we have created a cross-media online platform that creates synergy between different target groups and content types such as articles, research, datasets and media. The new platform has 2 million unique visitors each year.
The large amount of content and the desired efficiency and consistency - also with the brand and the visual identity of KRO-NCRV - led us to the use of a design system. The design consists of a series of components that can be reused in various combinations. This method also makes it easier to work with KRO-NCRV and design agency Vruchtvlees. Pointer has been given its own style, but remains in line with the brand identity of KRO-NCRV.
The new, modular Pointer is flexible and future proof. The editors can easily add rich content (e.g., interactive data visualizations) via the CMS. Different types of content are easily linked and presented to visitors in a thematic way. Flowing references ensure that visitors can continue to explore. The new CMS is used day and night, seven days a week, by various editors.
Technical challenges
The most challenging part of this project was to make it possible to send in tips in a completely anonymous way and to enable fully anonymous communication via the website between people who send in tips and (research) journalists and reporters. Because of our smart solution, the confidential information itself (tips and personal data) can never be made public. Not even in the unwanted case of hacks.
Within Pointer we have built a TipForm where people can send in their tips for surveys. To ensure security and privacy we had to do some custom work.
For example:
- Data Encryption (should there be any access to the database - tips are not accessible)
- Sending mails via Drupal (Communication between editors and informants)
- Generating temporary unique tokens (here we used access_unpublished module)
- We used Drupal Comments module (so that informants can respond securely, without information being publicly available)
- Fivestart i.c.w. voting API module, where editors can indicate how many stars they give a certain tip.
In addition, Pointer has it's own web department. Through paragraphs, we have made it possible to load their own JavaScript and CSS files to create unique pages themselves without involving us. See for example: https://pointer.kro-ncrv.nl/plantagekaart#/welcome
By using Layout Paragraphs we have given the client complete freedom in how they structure (landing) pages. We also developed a module that keeps episodes in sync automatically. It connects to POMS (Public Broadcasting Media System) whereby episodes are automatically posted via the Scheduler module when they are aired. This allows editors to prepare content without having to work over the weekend.
Why Drupal was chosen
We have managed to replace the custom system of KRO-NCRV with Drupal while staying very close to the core of Drupal. Where it was necessary we have done custom work.
For developers at KRO-NCRV we have made it possible to build 'specials'; pages with a custom design, specifically suited for a certain topic. Visitors of Pointer.nl can easily see in which phase a certain investigation is (exploration, research, recording or broadcast) and can tip the editors completely anonymously.
Editors and journalists can use the website to communicate with informants securely and anonymously (without any personal data attached). The privacy and security of this system is therefore exceptional.
More uniformity and efficiency
The Monitor addresses current social issues. People who are confronted with these problems can tip off the editors (anonymously) and thus share their experiences, read up on dossiers and research and come into contact with people who have had similar experiences. Through Pointer, participants can 'puzzle along' by viewing and analyzing data themselves. They can inform journalists and editors of their conclusions. Viewers and listeners want to watch/listen to broadcasts and read in-depth stories.
The new platform must serve all the different target groups, have a social impact, have a recognizable title, has to be secure and transparent, generate qualitative reach, encourage participation (tips and contributions) and journalists and editors must be able to work with the CMS very easily because of the large amount of content.
KRO-NCRV strives for more uniformity and efficiency for all its (future) websites. Technically, the new software landscape should facilitate that wish.
Technical Specifications
Drupal version:
