The top executives of The News Tribune gave an update on the newspaper’s operations to those at the Thursday morning meeting of Lakewood United.
Publisher David Zeeck and Executive Editor Karen Peterson told the group of approximately 35 that the newspaper has evolved over its 125-plus years from a print only publication to a 24/7 continuous news operation. Zeeck pointed out that the newspaper had looked at news distribution via alternative means years ago by operating both radio and television stations.
Peterson explained that the newsroom is “staffed” from 4:30 am to 3 am daily. She pointed out that the 4:30 am staffing starts from home where an editor is able to get up before her two children, make phone calls, check for stories and get things underway before having to take care of the children and come into the office. She added that sports department people end the day getting scores from coaches late at night and then stay on for several additional hours to continue the online news prep.
Lakewood United meets at 7 am each Thursday at Burs Restaurant in Lakewood. Meetings are open to the public although annual memberships for $20 a year are encouraged.
The newspaper publisher pointed out that since the McClatchy Corp., which owns The News Tribune, acquired The Olympian, the two publications cooperate rather than compete. Both newspapers are printed at the Tacoma plant and a reporter from one paper or the other usually covers stories of interest to both communities.
Social media sites are used extensively by the papers, Zeeck noted. He said referrals from Yahoo are extensive for readership and there are approximately 6,000 subscribers to the Twitter and 2,600 friends from Facebook.
Peterson agreed that investigative reporting is important and she said the newspaper would continue to emphasize local news. She explained that all editorial staffers are required to live in the communities so they can have a better feel for it.
The June 3 program for Lakewood United will feature Julie Moore, director of recruitment at the UW/VA Memory Wellness Program.
