Tuesday, January 19, 2010

Print or Digital - Which do you prefer?

Which appeals to you most as a reader? Why?
As a reader, I'd much rather read the news online at
CBC because it has a lot more information about what is going on in the province than the local newspaper, The Miramichi Leader (link is unavailable) does.

Which method is more effective in delivering news?
I think the printed version is more effective because of the fact that the paper is infront of you.

What problems might an online newspaper face in terms of attracting readers?
A lot of times, an online newspaper has tweaks to work out with links because roughly 50% of the time, they aren't working. Also, some people may find it harder to read on a computer than the actual printed version because of the font.

What steps would you take to improve either newspaper?
For the online newspaper, I would make sure that every link works and I would make it easier to navigate from story to story.

In the printed version, I think it would be more attractive if it were colored.

What is each paper’s strongest attribute?
I feel that the strongest attribute in the printed newspapers are the police reports, but that's just my opinion.


How dominate is advertising in both versions?
The advertising is much more dominate in the printed version than online because when online, the ads just appear either on the side of the screen or the bottom and not many people take notice.

Thursday, January 14, 2010

Times & Transcript, The Daily Gleaner & The Miramichi Leader

What is your experience with newspapers?
Whenever my mom purchases the newpaper, I always read anything that catches my eye. The first thing that I look for is Police Reports because, for some reason, I tend to find them most interesting.

How often (if ever) do you read them?
I read the newpaper every monday, wednesday and friday.

Where do you get your news? (local, provincial or national newspapers/television news broadcasts/internet news sources)
I usually get most of my news from the internet on CBC or in the local newspaper, The Miramichi Leader.

Do you agree with the assertion that newspapers need to focus on local news stories in order to survive?
I agree that newspapers should focus on local stories and events, but not in order to survive.

What other strategies do you feel may benefit newspapers?
I think that newspapers should also contain some things to grab the attention of younger readers. For example, maybe a contest or coloring pictures.

Can newspapers even be saved, or do you feel that this isn’t something for newspapers to be concerned about? (aka, do you feel that the newspaper industry is not in danger).
I think that newspapers are in danger because more people in this generation are using computers to find out everything and usually, computers tend to have more facts stated about the article.

Do you think the Internet will become the main source of news and even a focus on local news will not save newspapers? Why or why not?
Yes, I do think that the Internet will become the main source of news because like I said above, the internet tends to state more about the situation.

Finally, where do you see the state of newspapers in 25 years?
In 25 years, I honestly don't think that newspapers will be around. But if they are, I don't think that there will be as many difference kinds such as: Times & Transcript, The Miramichi Leader or The Daily Gleaner.

Wednesday, January 6, 2010

Titles are for people with ideas...

4,000 expected at slain police officer's funeral:

Who? Const. Eric Czapnik
What? Stabbed to death by former RCMP officer, Kevin Gregson.
When? December 29th, 2009
Where? In his cruiser outside of the Ottawa Hospital's Civic Campus.
Why? Unknown.

How? Memorial is to be held January 7th.
Type of lead - Picture/Dramatic.


Arrest in slaying of Quebecer in Dominican:

Who? Jean Gange
What? Shot in the heart.
When? December 31st, 2009
Where? Private villa in Sosua, east of Puerto Plata.
Why? Victim of a robbery plot.
How? Friend, Alexandre Tremblay, said they were attacked in the middle of the night by two men. Tremblay was tied to his bed and robbed and heard gunshots come from the room where Gange was.

Type of lead - Straight Summary.


Accused kidnapper now faces attempted murder charge:

Who? Adrien John Lepage
What? Accused of kidnapping a woman in her 20s working alone.
When? November 30th, 2009
Where? Barnwood Pub, Quispamsis. Later found at the side of the road in Lepreau, 55 km from the bar/
Why? Unknown
How? Lepage entered the Pub with a gun.
Type of lead - Straight Summary.