More on KentOnline
More on KentOnline
The KM Group has been chronicling life in Kent and Medway for generations, but rarely in such distressing and challenging circumstances.
Like all other businesses, the team behind KentOnline, KMTV, kmfm and our portfolio of newspapers are scattered far and wide, staying in touch by video conferencing.
We will continue to provide a breaking news service seven days a week to bring the latest developments in the coronavirus crisis, but also to highlight the exceptional bravery of our NHS workers and the huge amount of community spirit on display.
We recognise it will become increasingly difficult for some readers to access our newspapers, and so are making them free to access in a variety of digital formats. You can read more details on how to access them here.
Our offices are closed in line with Government advice, but you can still get in touch with our team 24/7.
The easiest ways are by email via news@thekmgroup.co.uk or you can contact us on our social media accounts, including @kent_online on Twitter and Facebook.com/kentonline
Nicola Everett is the KM’s head of multimedia news, leading the KentOnline and kmfm news teams.
She said: “Working from home has certainly been a challenge - particularly when it comes to making sure kmfm bulletins and the KentOnline podcast don't sound too different for our audience. Recording with a towel over your head is a top tip.
“The one big difference is how we all communicate. We chat a lot in the office about ideas, where to place stories on KentOnline and who's working on what. Having video conference calls has been useful but there's no getting away from the fact it's not the same.
“However, I'm very proud of how everyone has stepped up to the challenge and we've continued to bring the big stories to our readers and listeners and will continue to do so for as long as this lasts.
“I'm trying to stick to a routine and tidy my 'office' away each evening - I doubt that will last.”
Oliver Kemp is the KM’s first community reporter, responsible for in-depth reporting on under-represented groups.
He said: "Waking up and sitting at my desk alone instead of with the KentOnline team at the office is taking some getting used to, but it just goes to show how brilliant modern technology is at plugging the gap.
"Our morning meeting video chats give us all a chance to catch up and update each other on what's going on, which is invaluable as we all work from home.
"As a community reporter, my interaction with people across Kent has been limited to phone and video calls but it doesn't stop me from making sure we're covering the important things happening in communities everywhere.”
Andy Richards is editor-in-chief of our local television station, KMTV.
He said: “Each day has seen its own set of circumstances and challenges, but so far KMTV has been able to stay operational throughout the coronavirus pandemic. We've done our best to follow government guidelines where possible, with some members of staff working from home and we've assigned a skeleton crew to the studio.
"So far, three members of our small team have self-isolated which has been tough, but manageable. Only experts on the pandemic have been invited to the studio as guests, to keep numbers down on who's visiting our premises.
“Being television, it's very difficult to report on stories without physically being at various locations, but our reporters have continued their work diligently and professionally. Our technical team have been brilliant, creating different options using Skype and other forms of video calling for broadcast. We've had to strike a balance on covering what is a national emergency and other important topics for the people of Kent. And so far, I think we've done that.
"Whilst challenging, it's also been satisfying to see us delivering key information to our thousands of viewers at one of the most difficult times for a generation. We will keep doing that for as long as we possibly can."
Editorial director Ian Carter said he was proud of the way the team had adapted to the circumstances.
He said: “What we are doing pales into absolute insignificance compared to the absolute heroics displayed by frontline NHS, police and other services.
“However, trusted news has never been more important. Our editors and reporters are all members of communities across Kent and we will report these worrying times to the best of our ability - and we will be there on the other side when we emerge into happier times.”
