Readership Institute: Excellence in Small Newspapers: Galleries: Chronicle-Tribune

Chronicle-Tribune (Marion, IN)

Images 1, 2: A first-rate investigation shows how chronic over-spending by the Grant County government during the past decade depleted the county's surplus. The detailed probe showed where the money went and who was responsible - a great example of the newspaper watching out for taxpayers/citizens' interests. On the same day, a hard-hitting editorial - headlined "fix it or resign" - outlined what the council and individuals who betrayed the public trust should do.

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Images 3, 4: The Chronicle-Tribune cheers for its local citizens, including an eighth-grader on his way to the national Scripps Howard spelling bee. The newspaper wished him well in an editorial and ran a front page story about the bee, along with a 25-word test used in the previous year's contest so that readers could experience a little of what the local boy would face - and be able to test their own spelling competence.

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Image 5: A regular Hometown News column in Lifestyles acknowledges the achievements of local people.

Images 6, 7: The newspaper looks for news that will help people get more out of life in the community and that will make it a better place to live. In a city with a high unemployment rate, 15 new jobs at a new recycling center is big news and played as such. Also covered, are efforts by citizens, acting as individuals or organizations to combat violence in a depressed area of the city.

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Images 8 and 9: The newspaper uses many navigational and utility devices - "How to help" if you go," "on the net," more "inside," and "what's next" boxes, boxcars, forward promotion and pull-out boxes and graphics. The example here illustrates "if you go" and "on the net."

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