Article Title: What's News That's Fit to Print?

Edition: August 2000
Category: Bridge Works (Editor Comments)
Author: Nat Frothingham
Article:

Over the past few months, more and more story ideas have been pitched to The Bridge. We think thats good sign, but its a challenge, too. Because we have limited space, weve had to sharpen our focus on what gets into the paper.

Here are some of the questions we often ask about any story idea:

Is it news?
As the old saw goes, if the story is "dog bites man," were probably not interested. "Man bites dog?" You bet.

Like everyone else, we are looking out at a world that seems pretty fixed. The same old sun coming up over the same old mountain. Then a comet streaks across the sky. Thats news. So, in most cases, were looking for the action. But sometimes the reverse is true. Like a hard stone in a fast stream, sometimes that which resists change is news, too. And lets not be hopelessly serious, either. Whats absurd? Whats goofy?

Does it have a strong local angle?
The Bridge is a Montpelier paper with a very local beat. So although its of interest to read about a ferryboat disaster in the Philippines or a love song thats sweeping South America, its not a story for The Bridge without a local angle. But if someone from Montpelier survived that ferryboat disaster or wrote the love song, presto, we want the story!

Can we get a powerful graphic?
For identifying with a story theres little that can beat a great picture, drawing or other graphic. If you want us to write about a musical event, we want to see those drums and violins.

Here are a couple of suggestions for bringing a story idea to our attention: Send us a short 2 or 3 paragraph E-mail or written note, or give us a call, and tell us briefly about the story. Tell us why you think its news. Explain the local angle, and tell us about your ideas for graphics.

Two Farewells
At the end of June, we said goodbye to two treasured and energetic Bridge stalwarts: Nancy Schulz and Judy Greenwald. Nancy has been with us since our beginnings. Her many gifts to the paper are legion. She has written stories and served on the Board of directors. She was business manager at a critical time. Since the it was founded, Nancy has represented The Bridge to our many advertisers. The truth is there would be no Montpelier Bridge without her.

Judy Greenwald came aboard about two years ago when we badly needed a fresh infusion of energy and her commitment has been total. In addition to being a tremendously effective ad sales representative, Judy has written for the paper, taken photos (she has a couple in this issue). What is most important, perhaps, is that Judy has challenged us to see and do things differently and better. Thank you, Judy.

A Welcome
Lynne Goodson joined The Bridge in January and with this issue she becomes our Director of Sales and Marketing. Lynne has a wealth of experience in marketing, sales, media relations, human resources and not-for-profit development. She has a busy professional life that includes working for Radio Vermont Inc and serving a number of clients of her marketing and promotions business, Sunbound Enterprises. Lynne is our main contact for advertising. Feel free to contact her through The Bridge at 223-5112 or E-mail her at BridgeAds@aol.com

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