TO OUR READERS:
The Press Democrat you hold today is only two sections -- representing the
most visible change during a week when we will roll out consolidated sections
designed to save newsprint.
Although the Monday paper has always been our smallest edition, this
two-section paper represents a further reduction by combining local and
national news in one section and sports and business news in another. There is
one opinion page instead of two and there is no classified advertising
section.
Two-section newspapers, especially on Monday, are becoming more common
across the country as newspapers struggle against a tough economy. Some
editors try to promote the two larger sections as being preferable to four
smaller sections. I won't do that. Both the publisher and I have spent the
better part of our careers trying to grow the reach, credibility and quality
of The Press Democrat's news report, and we both find it dispiriting to cut
the newspaper. But it is no more difficult than the tough business choices you
are making and we are writing about as all of us confront this unprecedented
economic turmoil.
We saw our choice as a clear one: Cut costs on paging in order to preserve
our local news report. The Press Democrat is unquestionably the dominant news
source for this community. Increasingly, the news gathered by our staff is
published first online as it breaks -- and that points to secular changes that
also are transforming our industry. Whether in print or online, we have more
than 40 reporters and photographers who bring expertise, context and scrutiny
to our news report. On any given day, they are gathering the most
comprehensive account of local news and the people who make it.
We previewed the section changes for you on yesterday's front page, and as
this historic week unfolds, we will walk you through what is different in each
day's newspaper. We have spent weeks and taken great care in figuring out how
to cut back on paging while minimizing the impact on our news report. Above
all, we have tried to retain the content you value. We're hoping our
inauguration coverage this week, both in print and online, will help convince
you that we remain committed as always to putting our community in the context
of the wider world.
That said, we know that there is a lot of ritual involved in newspaper
reading -- that's one of its pleasures -- and it will be disconcerting to find
your news arranged differently. As you navigate the changes, please feel free
to let us know what you think. You can call and leave a message at 521-5328 or
send an e-mail to feedback@pressdemocrat.com.
Catherine Barnett,
executive editor
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