In an earlier post today, I mentioned how The Carthage Press is using feature stories that are related to today's news to improve and broaden news coverage.
Another method that can be used effectively is being used by Rick Rogers at the Neosho Daily News. With its earlier coverage of the Moark controversy and today's investigation into local golf courses, the Daily is making its mark with blanket coverage of important stories.
No story has been more important than Moark's quest to expand its egg-laying facilities and every reporter on the Daily staff contributed articles covering one aspect of the situation or another.
Today's stories on the Neosho Golf Course revealed that the golf course is deeply in the red and the city is pouring money into it that is being taken away from other areas, including road improvements. The city of Joplin is doing even worse with Schifferdecker Golf Course, one of the articles said.
I would love to see an exploration of the ongoing debate on whether small cities should be spending money on athletics and cultural activities. Are these things important enough to attract people to relocate. Are they critical enough to the city that a business might not move here unless there is an airport or a golf course or entertainment?
The Daily's approach to the golf and Moark stories is the right one. There is no way a small newspaper like the Daily can compete head to head on every story with The Joplin Globe. The Daily has about five or six people writing, while the Globe has more than 30 reporters.
So pick your battles. Decide what stories will matter the most to your community and then cover them like no one else can.
1 comment:
It must be pointed out that Rick Rogers received some excellent journalistic training at MSSC, and is now taking full advantage of that at Neosho.
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