Today’s readers still like to see The Free Lance-Star at their doorstep each morning. It is familiar, sort of a member of the family, one that they have relied on for information, survival and entertainment for years.
AS THE FREE LANCE- STAR introduces a new look, it joins hundreds of daily newspapers across the globe that are committed to change and to adapt to the special needs of readers in the “always on” culture.
Today’s readers still like to see The Free Lance-Star at their doorstep each morning. It is familiar, sort of a member of the family, one that they have relied on for information, survival and entertainment for years.
However, those readers are quite different from their parents and grandparents in the way they approach news and information.
The Free Lance-Star that premieres today is a newspaper aimed to satisfy the needs of readers who consume news from different media outlets and who insist on quick access with substance.
And while their interest in all news has increased tenfold, their methods of getting such information vary considerably.
Even the most avid newspaper readers of today no longer have the time to take a leisurely journey, page by page. Many of these readers come to the morning edition of their newspaper already knowing the main headlines. While it is good to “reaffirm” what they already know, they are on high alert for the scent of discovery.
The new definition of news, in a multimedia world, involves both reaffirmation and discovery. “I already know this,” the reader tells us, “but I want you to help me understand it—and quickly, please.”
It is all about immediacy and substance. The new Free Lance-Star achieves this combination well.
HIGHLIGHTS OF DESIGN
The team involved in the “design” aspects of the new Free Lance-Star has spent six months putting ideas on the table—and on the page—discussing outcomes, testing prototypes and finding solutions.
Some highlights:
Navigation through the newspaper is more efficient, starting on Page One. Readers have the opportunity to “sample” what is in store, then decide when they wish to read that piece. Remember, today’s readers do not read page by page of the newspaper in one seating. Instead, they glance at the paper first, then read portions and sections throughout the day. It is also not unusual to have readers who save a lengthier piece to read even a day later.
Hierarchy on each page, so that readers know the importance of stories immediately. The size of headlines, the placement of stories within the page, all facilitate identifying the importance of each item, for faster indexing and reading.
Page One stories that say “read me”: Readers want the editors to select the top stories of the day with text on Page One.
The new Free Lance-Star does that.
A look and feel that is familiar, but is open to visual surprises. While readers will see many visual changes throughout their newspaper, the most popular features have been retained.
More informational graphics and summary boxes. They will be used to enhance story content and to communicate its significance faster and more efficiently.
We hope current readers will like the paper better and that many new readers will stop by and sample it.
For us at Garcia Media, it was a pleasure to be part of the team that made The Free Lance-Star more vibrant, contemporary and useful.