But The Bee's commitment to reader access will be put to the test in the next few weeks as the paper makes lots of changes, the editors explain the reasons and the readers examine the results. The changes are being explained in detail elsewhere in this edition. Journalists tend to be proud of new design elements, better organization and enhanced features. Readers may spot other things they want to talk about. Newspapers should spend money on readership surveys to help them understand what readers think and want.
Most newspapers have someone around to answer the phone.
Most editors read all the letters to the editor, and most at least scan the growing flood of e-mail that flows into the system. All of these things are true at The Bee. As a result, some of the changes coming are a result of editors listening to readers over the last few years. Some are the result of necessity, driven by technology and driven by economics. Some are the result of an editor making a decision he or she thinks is best for all the readers.