What Happened to my Paper?
posted by Dan SkinnerMonday, September 29th, 2008
A “whole new day” dawned in Chicago this morning. At least that’s the take of the Chicago Tribune, which launched a significantly redesigned paper with Monday’s edition. The changes are quite jarring: more color, more pictures and fewer sections. This is not your father’s Chicago Tribune.
While a wrap-around guide to the new Tribune touts an “expanded main section,” it’s really just three sections in one. The former Metro and Business sections have been folded into the main section, leaving the Monday and Tuesday editions with only three sections, not including the classifieds. The features section has changed its name from Tempo to Live! I’d love to know how much time was spent in the newsroom debating the inclusion of the exclamation point. Someone whose opinion matters clearly thought “Live!” is far more eye-catching than just “Live.” The main section also includes a “You are Here” navigation bar across the top of several pages, as if readers were stumbling through an outlet mall. Hopefully that’s just for day one and not a permanent fixture.
None of these changes matter if they don’t spark increased readership. With the future of newspaper revenue tied to online advertising, the Trib is aggressive in directing readers to their Web site. There are three references on the front page alone to chicagotribune.com. I personally don’t like the look of the new Tribune, and I’m eager to see what veteran journalism observers will have to say. While I don’t see the changes driving any longtime readers away, I also wouldn’t expect a flood of new subscribers. For now, put the redesigned Tribune down for a push.
