Plus, The Bee now features phone numbers and addresses for section editors. Both additions to The Bee reflect decisions by senior editors to try to be more accessible to readers who have something to say about the newspaper content, and to correct problems quickly.
Readers have higher expectations than in the past, according to some recent research.
Thanks to high-speed communications, society as a whole is becoming more expectant of a quick, personal response. That's according to a recently published credibility handbook, put together by journalists for journalists with help from the American Society of Newspaper Editors. The handbook makes the point that being accessible to readers can help improve journalism and goes well beyond public relations. Journalists today are being encouraged to listen to readers, despite the stereotype of the ivory tower and a few in the profession who leave the phone mail turned on too long. The staff's effort to be available isn't new for many Bee readers, who have found lots of ways to reach journalists.