Surveys
Many editorial meetings never involved input from students who serve on staff. Therefore, I surveyed the staff to give them an opportunity to provide their input as it relates to the entire publication. This survey allowed them to share their views on topics like distribution, editing and promotion. Findings from Surveys After surveying students, I then shared overall trends and important takeaways with the editorial team. These surveys proved to be quite useful, indicating how the editorial board can improve the overall newsroom. For instance, having editing conferences and reminding staffers about deadlines. Examining Sparty Awards This project was the most important to me, and probably to the publication. I compared the 2017 and 2018 critiques to the Emery entries in order to flag what needed to be improved, as well as what strengths to emphasize. Unfortunately, the feedback was not incorporated as much as I would have liked, but it can used for future years if the leadership feels it is beneficial. Content Improvement to indirectly increase readership Following MIPA camp, I had the idea that those who went to camp present what they learned to the board and the staff. I took Bobby’s class and as I read some of our features, I realized they the leads need to be more engaging. Therefore, I presented a mini lesson on what Bobby’s class taught me, and encouraged other writers to share what they learned at MIPA. Focus Groups To improve the paper, with regards to content, photography and design, I suggested students in journalism and newspaper annotate different issues and provide feedback. This was an effective way to highlight strengths and weaknesses from many different perspectives. This could be done with students outside of the newspaper as well. Ad Sales I created a database for potential advertisers for Ad Night as mentioned in "entrepreneurship." Since that night, staffers have used this database to call and track responses as they contact the businesses for ads. The program is moving in the direction of specialization, where certain staffers will just focus on ad sales for a specific issue. The creation of the database will maximize efficiency. Writing new policies Because our program is still developing, a plan was not in place for guest writing. Guest writers are important to gain more student perspectives, increase readership and recruit for the newspaper, so I believed it was critical to have a policy. I also outlined policies which require students to get quotes and conduct surveys. This is important for page designs and for staffers to get interview experience. Exploring new distribution techniques I made it my goal to make the paper accessible to everyone so I explored new methods to distribute. I found that classrooms and announcements were not that helpful, and that newspaper stands and distribution during lunches maximize readership. Collaboration with other publications As a new program, I felt that it was important to get advice from more developed publications in Ann Arbor. I initiated an event with the "Communicator" so the Emery could benefit from how they handle issues like prior review, fundraising and how their cycles operate. I also compiled contacts from MIPA for further collaboration. I am arranging a similar event with Portage Northern. |
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