We’ve tried a few different things in the past two weeks to catch our readers’ attention.
Most of the changes — some more subtle than others — have been made to the design and layout. The first change: making our teasers above The Meridian Star nameplate stand out.
We want people to look twice when they glance at the front page and, hopefully, decide to pick it up and read the entire edition. A few cutout photographs of President George W. Bush, a rooster and Tiger Woods did the trick last week.
Some readers liked it, others didn’t. The cutouts were eye-popping and bold. At times we even pushed the envelope of our own taste — covering a large portion of the nameplate. But the good thing is people are noticing a change.
The front page isn’t the only area where changes have been made. Late this week, we also made some changes to our editorial page. Unlike the front, these changes were a little more calculated.
We are now placing columns on opposite sides of the page, instead of one on top and the other on bottom. The reason for the change: balance. We don’t want one writer’s opinion to dominate the page. On days where we have columns with opposing views, they will flank each side of the page.
We believe our editorial page is a great place to showcase a wide range of views on various topics. We don’t want our page to be dominated by one ideology or political persuasion.
We’ve also placed our editorial cartoons, editorials and, in some cases, letters to the editor in the middle of the page.
Our main objective with the editorial page changes is balance. The objective of our front page changes is to make the paper look more visually appealing.
This continues to be a work in progress. Feel free to contact us and let us know how you feel about these changes. We also welcome any input on other things you’d like to see change in your hometown newspaper.
Our hope is to slowly change the look and feel of the newspaper in the coming months. We want to give the readers a better product.
Editorials
Newspaper changes
- Editorials
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- Military cuts and BRAC to challenge leaders
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Governor takes lead on state budget
Sound, principled leadership is needed in times of economic uncertainty.
- A tiny little straight line fracture – the show must go on!
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Fruits of investments becoming evident
Investments by Mississippi State University and the Riley Foundation continue to breathe life into downtown Meridian.
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Questionable decision by outgoing governor
When former Gov. Haley Barbour left office last week he was supposed to enjoy a comfortable legacy as one of Mississippi's most popular governors.
- East Mississippi's position in House should strengthen
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Election day is right around the corner
Tuesday will be here before you know it.
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East Miss. welcomes new plant with open arms
If you haven't driven north of the Lauderdale County line on Highway 493 into Kemper County lately you need to.
- Incomplete arrest reports a problem
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The public deserves answers
Sometimes in life we drive down the same road in the wrong direction for miles, too stubborn to admit we need to change course or turn around. Doing so, we believe, will only serve to make our passengers question our ability to drive. They should just trust us.
- More Editorials Headlines
Obama Gives Education Waivers to 10 States
Giffords Aide to Run for Her Seat
LA School in Sex Abuse Scandal Reopens
Winter Slamming North Asia, Parts of Europe
Syrian Forces Renew Bombardment of Homs
States, Banks Reach Foreclosure-abuse Settlement
Raw Video: Italy's Mount Etna Bursts Into Life
Greeks March; Angry Despite Debt Deal
Raw Video: U.S. Pullout Celebration
Raw Video: Annual Empire State Building Run-Up
Man Killed in Courthouse Shootout
Air Force Airlines: Leaders Get Polished Service
Ga Girl Fights Off Kidnapper at Walmart
Nevada Highway Patrol, City Settle Beating Case
Homs Bombardment Continues, Global Outcry Grows
Raw Video: Dog Rescued From Icy Colo. Water
Skip the Coffee Cup and Inhale Your Caffeine Fix
