Press forms advisory committees
The Coeur d’Alene Press is seeking subscriber input to help shape its content and coverage, Regional Publisher Clint Schroeder said.
“We want to hear what our North Idaho neighbors have to say about their local newspaper,” Schroeder said. “The more ideas and opinions we can bring to the table, the better product we can deliver to the community it serves.”
The Press plans two advisory committees: One will be made up of students, the other is open to all ages. Each group will meet with Schroeder and other members of the newspaper’s management on a regular basis. In addition, advisory committee members will tour the printing plant and be invited to attend periodic news meetings, the daily 4 p.m. gathering when editors plan the next day’s edition. They will also learn about the Press’ online operations and app, and they’ll have the opportunity to meet with editorial staff and advertising representatives.
No newspaper or writing experience is required.
“A good newspaper ought to tell its readers what’s going on in their town,” Managing Editor Mike Patrick said. “Most days, we tell the public what that news is. The advisory committee will turn the tables and let our readers tell us what they would like to see. We’re interested in their critiques, and we’d like to hear their suggestions.”
Community members interested in serving a one-year term on the Publishers Advisory Board, and who are willing to devote one or two hours a month, should send an email with their name, contact information and a brief statement of interest to cschroeder@hagadone.com.
Students should include a letter of recommendation from a teacher or school administrator. In addition to providing input about the paper’s coverage, student advisory committee members will have the chance to shape it. They’ll work with a professional journalist or advertising representative to learn more about careers in journalism, including digital media.
The deadline for applications is Sept. 1. The first meetings will be in late September.