ZeMKI, Centre for Media, Communication and Information Research molo grows with a fresh update: new functions, new cities and a new look & feel NewsZeMKI-News4. October 2024 The local information app “molo.news” now operates under the shortened name “molo” and has received a comprehensive update. With a new logo, improved user interface and new posting function, the community-oriented app for local news and events offers a completely renewed user experience. molo remains a free, community-oriented platform for information and events from local associations, initiatives, cultural workers, local media, municipal institutions and other local players. The content is intended to promote local exchange and coexistence. The update brings exciting new features that make it even easier to disseminate local information. In addition to Bremen and Leipzig, Lüneburg and Delmenhorst are now also part of the molo network. More locations will follow, as associations, groups, institutions or administrations throughout Germany can now register if they would like to have molo in their area. The aim is for even more people to find contributions from their home town on molo. molo focuses on everything that moves people locally. The new minimalist logo and redesigned interface give the app a fresh look and make it more user-friendly. From now on, all molo users – including private individuals – can share their own posts and events directly from the app. This posting function opens up new opportunities to get actively involved in the digital city public and make local topics visible. The molo website was also redesigned alongside the app update. Interested parties can find all the information about the app, the background to the project and the latest news there. What sets molo apart will remain unchanged in the future: The app will continue to be free and ad-free. molo can still be used without an account, which makes access to local info particularly easy. Only those who want to post themselves need an account, for which only the most necessary data is requested and stored. molo was launched as part of a scientific research project by the ZeMKI at the University of Bremen, the University of Leipzig and the Leibniz Institute for Media Research | Hans Bredow Institute in Hamburg and supported by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF). The aim is to promote the urban public and provide a platform for local players. The app was deliberately developed with the common good in mind in order to counteract the crisis of traditional local media and give local topics and events more visibility again. “molo” stands for “moving local” and bundles information and events from local media, associations, municipal and cultural institutions, civil society initiatives and committed citizens. The app is a platform for local contributions that often get lost in the flood of news from established and social media. Users of molo can customize their info feed according to their personal interests by narrowing down topics and sources. The update makes molo even more interactive and enables everyone to actively shape their city’s public sphere. Labs Lab Datafication and Mediatization