Good News on the Newspaper Front

By Mark Kaufman

After months of really bad news, i.e newspaper closings, layoffs, loss of revenue and advertisers, and loss of market share to new media, today finally brings a bit of good news. Well not good in the sense that it addresses any of the problems listed above. The Courier-Journal of Louisville, Kentucky has actually managed to get some attention today for doing something unique, something out of the newspaper box.

The Courier-Journal handed over the front page to conceptual artist Serkan Özkaya who created a completely hand drawn version of the front page, masthead, text, and photos and published the results. I know, it ain’t ground-breaking by any means, but it is at least a newspaper trying to do something to maintain relevance, garner attention, create something of a keepsake for sale, which hopefully generates more profit, provide a back story online, including videos and behind the scenes photos. According to the Courier-Journal web site, publisher Arnold Garson said the project intrigued him because it can generate discussion, and because it points out how art is a valuable part of everyday life. “We are in the business of communication. This is just another way of doing that,” he added. “I hope it’s exciting, surprising to our readers.”

The other intriguing bit from my perspective that they used ART to communicate to their audience rather than an advertising tie-in, or some other marketing 101 gimmick. That alone is a refreshing idea. I was in Louisville last year and found it to be a lovely city with a flourishing art and music scene, interesting galleries, museums and public art, history and architecture. The Louisville Courier-Journal just reinforced my view of their fine city. And thanks for the good news.