The Time has come

The reality of the newspaper business is that, to stay relevant, there must be change. Not all our readership is going to readily accept this change, but I am realistic. Beginning next week, we are moving to a new format. The paper now measures approximately 11 x 8 1/2 when folded. The “Tab” format is going the way of the dinosaur. We will now be printed in a broadsheet format that measures 11 x 11 when folded, the same as the current Democrat and Chronicle and Wayne Post.

This larger format may seem a bit clumsy for some readers of the old, smaller format, but change is the necessity of progress. Believe it or not, in this case, larger is more cost efficient. It also allows us the luxury of different layouts and a more diverse front page.

With the change will come a neater looking newspaper with new graphics and more color. More weekly features are being added and we are still keeping all the same stuff as before, only with a new look.

No, we will NOT bend and start putting ads on the front page. No, we will NOT charge for basic obituaries printed. Pricing for newsstands, ads and subscriptions will not change.

Over the past several weeks, we have been meeting with various sources and community people in an effort to bring more news and a fresh look to this paper, now approaching its quarter- century status.

This week we are replacing our older phone system, that will (hopefully) create fewer problems. In general, we are spending some bucks to update some systems and additionally hope to contract with more writers. On that note: we need feature writers. Please contact wife Patti at (315) 986-4300, or by e-mail at waynetimes.com.

One new feature will be a weekly column entitled “One-on-One” where we will interview different people who influence our lives in Wayne County.

This column: “In This Corner”, will stay put on page 2, but will no longer be in color. Chuck Wells and Opinions will continue on page 4. Page placement will change depending on the number of pages printed in any particular week.

We are expanding our heath coverage with a more local doctors’ input. Local health features are also being added. The same goes for Sports. We will be adding local college stuff and are interested in bringing on more sports writers.

Another “plus” is that we are increasing the point size of our type for easier reading. Headline types are going to be changing and the paper will now be in two sections “A” and “B”. On the front of the “B” section will be county and the new “Albany news” that will keep readers informed on state issues. We have developed partnerships with other news outlets and are excited by the news expansion. We have been on pins and needles preparing for the big changes and hope the transition will be seamless. Oh, yeah, new head shots are coming for our regular columnists. Questions? Comments? Call me at (315) 986-4300, or comment online at waynetimes.com, or email me at waynetimes@aol.com.

Comments

comments