Our local Post Register newspaper debuted a new format today. They say it had been about two years since the last major redesign, and boasted their growth last year was in the top 98% of U.S. daily newpapers (unless I misread that statement). I’ve thought the Post Register has generally been a great paper the last couple years, but remixes are always good.
They will apparently use a ‘local’ color scheme of yellow, red, green, and blue. I hope the yellow is used less, but we’ll see what how their layouts work. I like the logo-ish “PR / Post Register” box inserted on some pages, but it seems inconsistently applied. Can someone answer why it is on some but not all pages? Does it signify something special to the pages it is applied?
The changes I like the most include the 200-word limit on letters to the editor (though I think 150 words would better force writers to prioritize their words and topics), the to-be-revealed local business news, Q&As with local capitalists, and especially the local restaurant health inspection scores.
The biggest change I wish the Post Register would make is to open their online content instead of requiring subscriptions. Some newspapers publish their content free to all and make money on ads, classifieds (albeit a shrinking market), and affiliate programs. Others do not, like the New York Times and our Post Register. I do not pretend to know the economics of each scenario, but it would be nicer if we could access their content freely. It would be neat to include an RSS feed of the Post Register’s top five daily headlines on other websites. Anyone clicking a headline in the feed could would be taken to the PR site where they would earn their advertising dollars.
First KIDK News 3 changed formats so the anchors all stand on set, and now the Post Register changes their format and policies. Are KIFI Local News 8 or KPVI Newschannel 6 in line for changing their formats soon? I hope the Idaho Falls official city website will also release a changed format.
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It WAS all he had to say about it!
:@:)
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I saw today’s paper. So far I’m not seeing the big deal – everything looked to be cosmetic. However, some of the other promised changes look interesting if they follow through. I still won’t subscribe to it though – I read it for free five days a week at work so why would I.
The economics of free access to newspaper sites is, as far as I can tell, dismal – more and more papers are going subscription. At least the on-line version is free for subscribers.
The Mayor’s already committed to making the changes in the city website. I know the departments are working on things in the background.
I think the ‘Second Helping’ section needs to move.
It’s been quite awhile since the redesign, and I just noticed for the first time a few days ago the ‘Second Helping’ section at the end of the Sports Section.
I’m a big geek, I don’t read the sports section, but I’ve been missing all those ‘Second Helping’ sections over the last few months.
If it were at the end of the world/nation section (logical because ‘Second Helping’ almost always is world/nation news), it would get read more.