THE STATE OF THE NEWSPAPER, PART ONE

I don't know about you, but there is something I've been missing in the Southeast Missourian. That's my dad's column, Rustlings. While the newspaper's Ken Newton and Peter Kinder perform admirably in providing local perspectives on important events, Rustlings often provided insight into something Ken and Peter don't usually discuss. That's the newspaper itself.

The Missourian's new publisher, Wally Lage, is an accomplished journalist, having risen through the editorial ranks of several newspapers and the University of Missouri Journalism School. But like my father's schedule nowadays, his is filled to the brim with the business of this and the other newspapers affiliated with the Southeast Missourian.

Thus, over the next few weeks, I'd like to share some information and ideas with you about the Southeast Missourian. Think of this, if you want, like a State of the Newspaper report.

From Speak Out to photos

Many of you may have already noticed changes within the newspaper during the past several months. Certainly, callers to Speak Out have.

In Speak Out we've heard criticism about dropping the bridge card column. And we've heard praise about our photographs. We've received mixed comments on the new-look Your Time section - with everyone liking the flashier design (but some not liking its new day:Friday).

The same has been heard about the Business section. Kudos for the broader range of stories, more-readable format, increased local coverage and Ray Owen's area business roundup! A few boos for its new appearance on Monday, when some of you say you have less time to read it. Boos also from some businesses for upping the minimum charitable donation to $1,000 before we will print a "check-passing" of your group in the newspaper. (We've also heard from some charitable organizations who like the new level. They say some groups have doubled their donation just to get the picture.)

Even Speak Out has come up lately in Speak Out. First, local orthodontist David Crowe criticized its empowerment of the anonymous. Then others rushed in loudly to its defense. Meanwhile, headlines sprouted above the comments, to mixed review. And at the cost of dedicating additional time and staff to tracking down information, we increased the number of official responses.

Changes that haven't elicited Speak Out comments range from switching The Mini Page to Tuesday to the Opinion Page addition of award-winning syndicated columnists David Broder and Ellen Goodman. More subtle modifications include the cleaned-up, quick-and-easy Southeast Missourian information box on page two and the abandonment on certain days of the front page Newsline.

There have been other changes:some slight, some not. But they would be harder for you to notice. The most profound change is that we are in middle of redefining our entire production process - in a revolutionary way.

A specific example of just one aspect of this comprehensive change:Within the month all photographs generated from the news staff will be handled electronically, instead of being printed to paper. We are already doing this with some weekend color shots. When fully implemented this electronic process will mean improved quality in all news photographs - and the potential for doing more color. (Note:this will not affect the photos that you bring into the newspaper for announcements of all types, although if you want to bring a photo in on electronic disc, we won't mind.)

This new photo process - in conjunction with a new, state-of-the-art electronic layout and design system - will enhance the look of the Southeast Missourian and allow us to do more in news coverage for you than ever before. (It also won't be cheap. In July alone, the Southeast Missourian spent over $120,000 in new computer purchases. More is being spent on training to empower our employees with this exciting equipment.)

Newspaper serves you

Why do I share these changes with you? Because I believe they are exciting. I also seek your input.

Like no other industry, the success of a newspaper depends upon the success of its community, and vice versa. I believe the Southeast Missourian is Southeast Missouri's most important communication tool. We are your bulletin board - for life, marriage and death. We are your calendar - for all of the day's events. We are your most complete window on local happenings - in news, sports, entertainment, politics AND bargains. And we are one of your - if not your most - in-depth window on the world outside the area.

Yet, while already being one of the most-lauded newspapers in the Midwest, we hope and plan to serve you even better in the future.

In the next few weeks I'd like to share with you more information and ideas. In the meantime, let me encourage you to drop us a line or call if you have any suggestions. My number is 335-6611, extension 57. Or, there's Speak Out:334-5111. If you want to write, address it to:Newspaper Comments, Southeast Missourian, P.O. Box 699, Cape Girardeau, MO 63701. I look forward to hearing from you.