I ve written a weekly column since 1981. It began exclusively as an exploration of why newsrooms and newspapers did what they did. Over almost 20 years, I ve used the column more broadly but it has always maintained at least a handhold on its original intent. The column also serves as a weekly reminder of just how hard it is to report and write and all too often editors forget that lesson. Q. The Register Star has adopted an innovative, or what some may term unusual, format on its front page.
Readers love it and even the hardcore cynics in our newsroom have been won over.
In May, after almost two years of research and development, we upended the traditional front page and replaced it with a seven-day summary of the top of the news. The front page is designed for readers in a hurry. One can read the front and know what s happening in town, in the state, nation, world, business and sports. Each story is complete. For readers with more time, traditional, bylined versions are inside.