What goes into making a good newspaper?

By Chuck Kajer

Just what is in a good newspaper, and how do newspaper editors put together a newspaper that is interesting and informative?

That is a question most newspaper editors, including myself, ask from time to time. Last week, I had a chance to ponder those questions while attending the Minnesota Newspaper Association convention at the Sheraton Hotel in Bloomington.

I attended a presentation on writing by Chuck Haga, long-time writer with the Star Tribune. Haga talked about what goes into writing a good story and different techniques he uses to make sure the story is of interest to readers.

The luncheon speakers on Thursday were Dave Mona and Sid Hartman from the Sports Huddle Radio Show. As a regular listener of the show, seeing those two play off each other in person was a real treat.

Thursday afternoon brought a roundtable discussion about covering local sports, specifically, high school sports. We talked about how to deal with uncooperative coaches, busy schedules and other issues.

The most interesting session I attended, though, was on newspaper design. A consultant who has worked on a number of newspaper redesign projects showed off some of his work.

Much of the work he presented was dazzling in the use of photography, graphics and other techniques. He not only talked about design, but about the use of stories. The trend, over the years, has been to go to shorter stories. Readers don't have the time they used to to look at long feature stories. You need to hook them in with eye-catching photos and graphics and keep their interest with short, interesting stories.

This is all stuff I've heard before, but it pays to hear it again and again. I've often described myself as a compulsive reader

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