Future for Front Page? It's All in a Little Magic

Circulation is declining, and free content on the Internet is booming. But yet, few things can be as personal as a newspaper front page.

Sometimes the front page is predictable. Often it’s overly gloomy. And in too many cases, it’s inconsistent.

But every day it has an opportunity to touch people by:

Sharing what people are talking about: “They never thought they’d see the day,” the Detroit Free Press said today about African-Americans’ feelings about Barack Obama’s run for the White House.

Seeing the big picture: With its state in an economic crisis and its governor in a scandal, the Las Vegas Sun examined the state of the state: “Nevada Turns 144, But What’s To Celebrate?” But not forgetting important details: The San Francisco Chronicle pursued police documents that showed “Missed opportunities hours before slaying” of the editor of the Oakland Post.

Looking beyond the headlines: In a different kind of election story, The Denver Post reported on “A risky conversation.” Said the Post: “Politics naturally divides people, but this election cycle has highlighted the divide. Now, simply talking about the presidential candidates seems like a wedge issue.”

Providing news that readers can’t get anywhere else: The News Journal of Wilmington, Del., noted that late Wednesday night its city matched the record for the number of homicides in a year. And owning what they know: “Shuttle set for Nov. 14 liftoff,” said Florida Today in Melbourne, which swamps the space beat.

Writing good headlines: “We Shopped Till We Dropped,” the Star Tribune of Minneapolis said in summarizing GDP data. “Plumb Job,” said the New York Post with a photo of Joe the Plumber on the campaign trail. And in writing a label headline that actually works, the Houston Chronicle described the path of a high school football team: “From Cream Puff to Cinderella.”

Presenting good stories and images: In an eye-catching “To Catch a Cyber-Thief” presentation, the Kitsap Sun in Bremerton, Wash., said: “A Bainbridge Island couple recovered a stolen $2,700 bicycle through sting tactics – online and with police.”

Taking a different look: Halloween stories are everywhere today, but The Post-Crescent of Appleton, Wis., breathed new life into a stale story with Rob Kaiser’s “Houdini works his magic” column about “Legendary artist offers lesson on escaping troubles.” Harry Houdini, who lived in Appleton, died on Halloween 1926.

What will the future hold for the front page? Will it escape its troubles? To editors, I’d say: Don’t stop thinking about tomorrow, but don’t stop thinking about print.

Make me laugh. Make me cry. Move me to share my opinion. Move me to take action. Make me want to pick up tomorrow’s front page.

Thanks for the memories

The Rays fell to the Philadelphia Phillies in the World Series, leaving the Tampa Bay area only with memories of what the St. Petersburg Times called a miracle season. The Times and The Tampa Tribune published photos of dejected players. The Tribune and the Times paired a column with a photo. The Times referred to full coverage in Section X, appropriately as another season is crossed off. Should coverage be different depending upon whether a team wins or loses?

Euphoria in Philly

There is celebration on Philly front pages and beyond after the Philadelphia Phillies beat the Tampa Bay Rays, 4-3, in Game 5 of the World Series. It was the Phillies' first Series title since 1980. The Inquirer proclaimed "World Champs!" and produces a 14-page special section. The Philadelphia Daily News was more poignant with "From Cursed to First ..." Elsewhere in Pennsylvania and in New Jersey and Delaware, front pages marked the moment with special designs. In the case of The Morning Call of Allentown, the sentiment was: "Phinally!"

When a Mayor Goes to Jail

The Detroit Free Press continued its excellent coverage of the city's former mayor today with news that Kwame Kilpatrick is off to jail after pleading guilty to two felonies. Earlier, the Free Press doggedly pursued access to Kilpatrick's text messages. Is a Pulitzer in the newspaper's future? How committed is your newspaper to public access?

15 Minutes of Fame

This year's presidential race is creating minor celebrities. There's Joe the Plumber of Ohio, whom The Blade of Toledo told us about. And today, the Rocky Mountain News of Denver features a third-grader who asked vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin about the role of the No. 2. "Third-grade stumper," the tabloid said, with a photo of the questioner that is cute as can be.

Play Ball

In anticipation of the Phillies-Rays World Series, The Morning Call of Allentown, Pa. -- Phillies territory -- published an eight-page special section that wrapped around the day's newspaper. Down Rays' way, The Tampa Tribune referred to its special section from Page One, which noted that tonight's match-up is not just a game, it is "A Life-Defining Event." What other life-defining events warrant special sections?

Pretty in Pink

Today's Miami Herald is, well, pink. In honor of the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure, the newspaper is supportively pink. A "New Hope" front-page centerpiece notes Breast Cancer Awareness Month and reports on research being done by the University of Miami. Would you print your newspaper in pink or other color?

Photo Choice

A Reuters photo from the U.S. presidential debate got wide play in newspapers in other parts of the world. The unusual photo of John McCain was printed on front pages from Turkey to Germany to Bulgaria to Ireland to the United Arab Emirates. With this photo, the cultine is imperative. Reuters offered this caption: “McCain reacts to almost heading the wrong way off the stage after shaking hands with … Obama at the conclusion of the final presidential debate at Hofstra University.”