A “dramatic” new look back page style featuring larger images has been introduced by a regional daily.
The Worcester News has begun moving away from its more traditional, multiple-story layout in what it says is a bid to “command readers’ attention.”
The new-look back pages have been introduced since the appointment of new sports editor James Reece, who took over the role after the retirement of Paul Ricketts in October.
James, who had previously served as Paul’s deputy, said the new style was an attempt to “set an agenda”.
Two examples of the “dramatic” new look Worcester News back pages
He added: “Although this sort of presentation is common on national and big-city papers, it is a departure from the norm for us.
“It is dramatic, and it gives us a chance to make more of a statement than we could with our previous layouts.”
James said early reaction to the new look had been positive, with just one sports club press officer complaining: “It’s too sensational.”
An example of the News’s previous back page layout
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Call me cynical, but: bigger pictures = less copy = less reporters.
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In fairness the ‘old’ back pages are awful. Not attractive at all.
New ones are much better.
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Good pictures sell papers. Which is why you need good staff togs.
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Big improvement (except for the imaginary word “swordsplay” in the strap).
…and it’s less copy = fewer reporters, FOPE.
Anyone need a sub? No?
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They think the new look is ‘ too sensational’?
Goodness me some folk are easily pleased/ shocked/ outraged ( delete as applicable) in worcester aren’t they
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Oh yes fella.
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Morgan – either that, or like many critics of local press, they don’t know what the word means…
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It definitely looks better but, as has been mentioned, there’s far less copy. There’s a balance to be found but they’ve overshot it.
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Pressure on the photographers then. Plus change the ugly fonts and the colour overload. However, the previous example shows why the regional press is heading downhill quicker than Franz Klammer – dull and uninspiring.
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