The guide also discusses the positive results of publishing high school honor rolls. A lot of reporters don't see that as very sexy. Newspapers at all levels need to be very closely attuned to what readers need and want. Editors said one obstacle they want to overcome is the negative attitude in some newsrooms toward covering church picnics and other hometown events. Smaller papers tend to be more attentive and confident when covering community issues, some editors said.
People care about what's going on in the community.
Obviously, that won't happen. Mark Silverman, editor and publisher of The Detroit News, said occasionally lightening reporters' workloads can lead to better coverage. The rewards of strong local reporting come when reporters see the impact of their work, editors said.