Editors at the Ottawa, Edmonton and Winnipeg Suns got it right today with their front page news priorities. Was there any doubt the devastating earthquake in Haiti was THE story?
Not so impressive are the Toronto and Calgary Sun fronts, with Toronto editors going for heroics in a local accident for its main story and Calgary going with an NHL story.
As usual with major breaking news, the Toronto Sun will no doubt catch up with front page photo coverage tomorrow. The flagship tabloid certainly has lost its edge.
As usual with major breaking news, the Toronto Sun will no doubt catch up with front page photo coverage tomorrow. The flagship tabloid certainly has lost its edge.
While I agree the Calgary front page is a bit of a puzzler, I wouldn't dismiss the Toronto front page right out of hand. The message of the last few years, even for the big dailies, is that local rules.... and local hero vs. overseas disaster? We don't get a lot of good news stories anywhere these days and a hero rescuing a baby is almost as rare as a hurricane devastating an island nation. I think the Toronto guys deserve at least the acknowledgement that this was a tough call. Disagree if you want, but I wouldn't be so quick to just dismiss it.
ReplyDeleteTough call? Sorry, nine out of 10 experienced tabloid editors would have gone with Haiti without hesitation.
ReplyDeleteBut as a reader, living in Toronto, I want to read the hero story more ... but for impact of photos, Haiti wins hands down.
ReplyDeletePutting Haiti on front defies the "you have to focus on local" and "we can get yesterday's news on the net why are you putting it in print" mentality that the so-called experts give newspapers.
ReplyDeleteI liked the Toronto cover - if 9 out of 10 editors picked Haiti, then that means the Sun had something different for readers (with Haiti coverage inside). As someone in Toronto, I also liked the local cover - and it was an incredibly touching story.
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