Man Who Owns the News

Michael Wolff's biography of Rupert Murdoch, chairman and CEO of News Corp., will be released tomorrow. Politico has a few advanced details on The Man Who Owns the News, including that Murdoch does not "want News Corp. to be defined by Fox News."

The New York Times has reported that Murdoch, whom Fortune has called one of the "25 most powerful people in business," took issue with the book and its description of his relationship with Fox News.

Murdoch's most recent acquisition was The Wall Street Journal. In its book review, the Times says: "This book is tethered, like an extended magazine piece, to a single dramatic business transaction: News Corporation’s acquisition of The Journal and Dow Jones." News Corp. also owns the New York Post.

Terror in Mumbai

More than 125 people were killed in Mumbai when gunmen stormed luxury hotels and other key landmarks in the financial and tourism center of the Indian city. The Times, a leading English-language newspaper in India, used a breaking-news banner at the top of its Web site and posted video of the terrorists. At least seven terrorists and 14 police officers were among those killed. The newspaper -- the 24th largest in the world with more than 1-1/2 million readers -- also linked to the news on Twitter.

World-Class Treatment

In a multi-year project, The Des Moines Register is exploring how an Iowa education could be world class.

Today's front-page letter from Editor Carolyn Washburn explains the project and refers to inside content about schools in Finland (an academic all-star).

Online, the newspaper outlined what it found in examining schools in Iowa, Chicago and Finland. On Dec. 7, Canada will be added. An interactive map compares how U.S. students and students around the world performed on tests, and a quiz tests readers' knowledge of student performance. Q&As, guest columns, a transcript of educators' roundtable discussions and education links are offered. A deputy editorial-page editor, who researched the project and visited schools, has been blogging world-class schools, and a live chat is planned for later this week.

Covering a Native Son

South Dakota newspapers led with the news that former U.S. Sen. Tom Daschle is being tapped to join the Obama administration as secretary of Health and Human Services. The state's largest newspaper, the Argus Leader in Sioux Falls, reported the news from Washington and included reaction from health-care company executives. The Argus noted that Daschle has written a book about health-care reform, Critical: What We Can Do About the Health-Care Crisis. On its Web site, the newspaper broke out duties of the cabinet post and career details from the South Dakota State grad. Daschle likely would be the first South Dakotan named to a cabinet post, the Argus said.

"Daschle returns to spotlight," said the front page of the Capital Journal in Pierre.

Daschle is a native of Aberdeen, where the American News posted video from a September speech in the city by Daschle and comments from former staffers.

Icon's Reign Ends

Two-thirds of today's Anchorage Daily News is used to report on the defeat of Alaska's longtime U.S. Sen. Ted Stevens. A count of absentee and questioned ballots gave Stevens' competitor, Anchorage's mayor, an insurmountable lead. Mark "Begich topples Stevens," the Daily News' banner headline said.

Stevens' image did not appear on the page. Instead, the front page featured a large photo of the incoming senator and a story about how he will be replaced as mayor. The front page teased to an inside story about the vote breakdown in each district. Online, the newspaper provided video of Begich and encouraged readers to offer an opinion on who should be acting mayor. The Daily News has an online section on "Uncle Ted," who has dominated the Alaska political landscape for decades but who was convicted of federal corruption charges.

Speaking of prominent Alaska politicians, Gov. Sarah Palin remains a front-page fixture in Anchorage: "Palin publicity blitz shows no signs of slowing.

California -- State of Emergency

Smoke cleared from weekend wildfires, allowing Southern Californians to see the damage. "At least 155 homes are lost and 104 damaged as recovery begins," The Orange County Register reported. In an interesting juxtaposition, the newspaper printed a reference to outdoors coverage atop the fire coverage: "Return to life."

The Los Angeles Times detailed damage and explained how fire spreads despite care taken by homeowners: "The small spark of a disaster." The Daily News of Los Angeles pictured residents who returned to damaged or destroyed homes.

The Santa Barbara News-Press devoted its entire page to the disaster with photos of "Treasure out of Rubble," the story of a young couple seriously burned and a report of arson charges pending.

While a number of newspapers in the region pictured smoldering ruins, photos of an active fire remained on The Signal in Santa Clarita.

New Edition

The New York Times today reported the end of the Iraq war and the establishment of national health care.

Oh, wait. It's not real. (What gave you a hint?)

With an "All the news we hope to print" edition dated July 4 of next year, some pranksters with the help of a group called The Yes Men papered NYC with the 14-page fake. On its Web site, Yes Men says its mission is "Impersonating big-time criminals in order to publicly humiliate them."

USA TODAY's On Deadline blog writes about it here. The Times itself blogged about it and provided a PDF of the fake and invited comments.

The actual Times (at right) published stories about financial crisis, budget shortfalls, bankruptcy, death and a fight over education. No doubt about its authenticity.

It's Not Over Until It's Over

It's been more than a week since Election Day. Yet news about several races remains on front pages.

The Anchorage Daily News reported that the challenger has overtaken incumbent Ted Stevens by 814 votes in the Alaska U.S. Senate race. The front page answered "Four questions about the final count," which is including absentee ballots and ballots that were questioned on Election Day.

U.S. Sen. Norm Coleman and challenger Al Franken are neck-in-neck in a count that will decide the seat from Minnesota. 206 votes separate them. The Pioneer Press of St. Paul said the decision on who wins might come down to five people -- a panel in charge of a recount. The Pioneer Press' front page used a diagram to explain "The recount 5" who will oversee the hand counting of 2.92 million ballots. Online, the newspaper posted video of the state's secretary of state explaining the process and a PDF of a recount guide.

Economic Woes in Detroit

The auto industry drives Detroit and Michigan, so yesterday's news that the U.S. House might move on aid to the Big 3 made banner headlines.

U.S. House Speaker "Pelosi pushes fast auto aid," The News said. The Free Press used details in its headlines: "$25-billion lifeline may be at hand/Plan is strict on exec pay, environmental promises."

The Free Press noted the drop in the price of GM stock and referred to a business-section story "GM must cut 3,500 more salaried workers." Its Web site also linked to a cartoon, commentary and the story "GM retirees flood Medicare hotline."

The News referred to an inside story "Collapse of U.S. automaker would disrupt Toyota, Nissan, Honda because they share parts suppliers" and an opinion piece "Failure too costly."

Signs of ripple effects were apparent in both papers. The News reported on the impact of state budget woes. The Free Press said, "Economy is focus in Detroit mayoral race."

How are you covering the impact of the global economic crisis in your community?

Show and Tell at the White House

The Des Moines Register called it "show-and-tell day." President-Elect Barack Obama and his wife, Michelle, visited President and Laura Bush at the White House on Monday. AP called the visit "a striking symbol of the transfer of power to come."

So how did news organizations share the visit?

In the San Francisco Chronicle, a photo of Obama and Bush was accompanied by photos from White House visits by presidents-elect in 1960, 1968, 1980 and 1992.

A White House photo that gave the feel of being in the Oval Office appeared on front pages, including The Plain Dealer of Cleveland. "Nice to meet you, Mr. President," the headline said. The Plain Dealer used a New York Times story, which noted it was Obama's first visit to the Oval Office. But Obama has been to the White House before, an experience he wrote about in one of his books.

How did you play the story?

Honoring Service to Country

News organizations with ties to military communities are showcasing Veterans Day on this federal holiday.

The News Tribune of Tacoma, Wash., shares the story of a man who might be the youngest WW II veteran. James Clark, who "looked big for his age," enlisted in 1945 -- when he was 13. The front page promised Web coverage when "Special forces will honor a fallen comrade today."

The Forum of Fargo, N.D., brought together a veteran from Vietnam and one from Iraq -- "Brothers in Arms." It posted video of their conversation.

The Virginian-Pilot of Norfolk used a large 1973 photo from "Hanoi Hilton" to illustrate Day 4 in a series on POWs. Seven prisoners of war now living in Hampton Roads tell their stories in an online package.

How the Election Was Won

President-Elect Barack Obama spent most of yesterday out of the public's eye. USA Today reported that he was spotted on the way to workout at a gym "wearing a baseball cap and holding a newspaper." No one wanted to spend yesterday without a newspaper.

Today, front pages provide analysis, looking at the "how" behind the win.

Atop The Indianapolis Star was the label "Why Indiana turned blue." The answer: "Exit polls: 1st-time voters and blacks aided Democrat." "How Obama Built a Winning Coalition" led The Philadelphia Inquirer. Its answer: "He widened Democrats' usual base of support."

From the strategically important state of Florida, the St. Petersburg Times said, "Key to Victory in Florida: Campaigning cast wide net."

The San Francisco Chronicle broke down the vote to illustrate "His Mandate" and "Where the Votes Were." The Washington Post reported, "Democrats Add Suburbs to Their Growing Coalition."

Print is Alive and Well Today

The Washington Post's Web site has most any election angle covered and offers immediacy and interactivity. Yet readers are interested in .... the printed newspaper!

A suburban reader just e-mailed her neighborhood listserv, asking for any extra copies of the Post. Another lamented that the Post is sold out, even after printing 30% more copies. Yet another just walked from his workplace to the Post's office on 15th Street to get extra copies of the newspaper and found a line half-way down the block. People are waiting for the sale of a commemorative edition.

Interest was high for community newspapers as well. At the Rochester (N.Y.) Democrat and Chronicle, Editor Karen Magnuson wrote about it in her Editors Corner blog. And Wanda Lloyd of the Montgomery (Ala.) Advertiser wrote that newspapers were the "'first draft of history' in Obama election."

Many have written print off as dead. But it seems that there are times that readers don't buy that obituary. They buy the printed edition.

A Moment in History

The Chicago Tribune smartly noted that "Tuesday night was a time to marvel at a once-inconceivable moment in American history." Its main edition front page captured the moment.

Simply Done

Millions of Americans went to the polls yesterday and made history, electing Barack Obama the country’s first African-American president.

The news was all but confirmed before many went to bed Tuesday night. So how does today’s front page distinguish itself from other media? By keeping it simple.

And with simplicity comes impact.

In an early edition distributed in the Midwest, Obama’s hometown Chicago Tribune simply said, “It’s Obama” with a photo of the victor and a cheering crowd. A simple black-and-white portrait of the Illinois senator graced the Sun-Times. “Mr. President,” said the label at the bottom of the page.

The News Journal of Wilmington in Joe Biden’s home state of Delaware used a single photo and a quote. Said the main headline: “ ‘Yes, we can.’”

Making History

Many of today's front pages conveyed the history that was made in the presidential election. "History" was, in fact, the banner headline in today's Palm Beach (Fla.) Post and Indianapolis Star. The Los Angeles Times reported the size of Obama's victory, “Decisive victory makes history,” and noted he “wins a solid mandate and a fortified Democratic majority in Congress.”

A patriotic nameplate topped the Asbury Park Press in Neptune, N.J. The word “Obama” and a special graphic treatment were signals of the significance of the news.

"The Dream Comes True," declared the Great Falls (Mont) Tribune.

Victory Heard Around the World

The U.S. presidential campaign has been hot news around the globe since the primaries.

Images of Hillary Clinton, a recognizable first lady, often were found on international front pages until her withdrawal from the race. John McCain's visit was front-page news in Colombia. Coverage of the presidential debates appeared in newspapers from Europe to Asia to Oceania.

But outside the U.S., the narrative of election '08 was the campaign of Barack Obama. Whether it was the possibility of the first African-American president, the international flavor of Obama's background, tension over current U.S. foreign policy or a worldwide hunger for change, Obama's campaign captivated an international audience.

President-Elect Obama reached out to friends ("To those who seek peace and security, we support you.") and addressed foes ("To those who would tear the world down, we will defeat you.") around the world in his election night speech.

This morning's Home Page of the Guardian of London is filled with election content, including "What this means for US foreign policy."

With expansive election coverage, El Periodico in Spain has video of Dr. Martin Luther King and of Obama on its Home Page. Said its banner headline: "It's not a dream any more."

Covering Defeat

There was a critical secondary story today for two U.S. newspapers -- The Arizona Republic and the Anchorage Daily News, hometown newspapers of the Republican ticket of John McCain and Sarah Palin.

A picture of John and Cindy McCain anchored the bottom of The Arizona Republic, which produced a 20-page election special section. Under its main headline, the paper said, "Arizonan McCain gracious in defeat, calls for unity."

The Anchorage Daily News pictured Palin in a reflective moment Tuesday night but left other content about the governor for inside. There it asked, "Can Sarah Palin go home again?" The newspaper examined relationships in Alaska and noted, "There are some messes to clean up."

Results Are In

At 11 p.m. the Web sites of national newspapers had different feels -- but the same results. As The Washington Post reported, Obama "Becomes 44th President."

Front Page Prediction

The New York Post made a bold front-page prediction this morning. Was it a safe call? Or one that could add its name to the list of newspapers through history that have incorrectly reported election results? Remember "Dewey Defeats Truman"? The Post, by the way, endorsed John McCain. Read about past election coverage in this Newseum essay and about past mistakes.

Pivitol Moments

In analyzing Presidential Campaign '08, CBS's Bob Schieffer identified three pivotal events -- all of which made front page news:

1. Fundraising and Barack Obama's decision not to take federal campaign financing.

2. John McCain's choice of Gov. Sarah Palin of Alaska as his No. 2. The choice quickly energized the Republican base. But for others, the enthusiasm has waned since her appearance at the Republican convention. By the end of the campaign, the Anchorage Daily News endorsed Obama, a move that might have surprised those outside of Alaska.

3. The economy. National polls show an Obama lead over McCain when likely voters are asked who they trust to deal with the economy.

How did your newspaper share these critical events with your readers and viewers?

(Anchorage Daily News endorsement)

Decision Day '08

With voters streaming to the polls on this historic Election Day, how is your newspaper reporting on turnout and examining problems at polling places?

USA TODAY is allowing voters to share their stories.

The Chicago Tribune created an e-mail address for readers to report voting problems. It also is accepting photos.

The Washington Post is reporting minor problems in voting in its outer suburbs. In an election package, it is making use of mapping technology to report "Candidates Make Final Appeals." Post readers can stay up-to-date throughout the day with news via Twitter and alerts via text and e-mail.

The New York Times is reporting "Lines, Glitches and Enthusiasm."

The Miami Herald, which includes an interactive graphic about the presidential candidates in its coverage, reports things are humming along in its circulation area. "Polls busy but few glitches reported."

The Plain Dealer in Cleveland posts a blogs roundup on its Home Page. On its Northeast Ohio News Page, it notes that "Elections chief reports no major problems in voting."

The Philadelphia Inquirer also is accepting reader photos. Its news headline: "High turnout, few problems in Philly, says watchdog."

Breaking News from Hawaii

The Honolulu Advertiser reports that Barack Obama's grandmother has died. Its initial reporting on the newspaper's Home Page quotes a statement by Obama and his half-sister and features a photo of Madelyn Dunham of Honolulu from Obama campaign video. How is your site playing the news?

One Day and Counting

Five U.S. newspapers have reporters traveling the campaign trail with presidential candidates:

The New York Times, which is all smiles today with photos of John McCain and Barack Obama. "McCain embraces his lighter side," the Times said. "Obama's Even Keel Holds in Final Turn."

The Washington Post, which looked at "A Positively Negative Home Stretch," noting "McCain, Obama Break Tradition By Staying on Attack."

The Wall Street Journal, which reported, "Obama leads in the Home Stretch."

The Los Angeles Times, which examined the Big O -- Ohio. "Both campaigns target Ohio, and both have volunteers mobilized. But Obama's team may have the advantage."

The Chicago Tribune, which referred to "One last day of historic campaign" content inside. It also promoted a customize-your-ballot feature on its Web site and reminded readers to check the site on Tuesday for results, analysis, photos and video.