Pete, I agree the Oklahoman is on the technology front better than papers much bigger. We may loose some "investigative" journalism and content in the process though. Seems like more media is going to a "template" format. Lots of journalists will be searching for jobs or looking at a career change in the coming years.

They are definitely doing much more in terms of in-house produced videos (and podcasts), so I'm sure some resources are being shifted in that direction.

But again, these publications have to evolve or die. At least the DOK is out there with some pretty ambitious strategies -- especially for a publication of it's size.

Sue Hale announces retirement. (http://newsok.com/sue-hale-announces-plans-to-retire-will-continue-work-to-improve-access-to-public-information/article/3297430/?)

I saw something this morning and I believe it said the Oklahoman's new format launches on Sept. 29th.

That's correct. There was a big half page or full page ad announcing it. It will be narrower and the front page will be all teases, like USA Today.

But rest assured... I have been told the prayer will remain on the front page.

Well, the new new new Oke looks like it was designed to be gotten to press by 150 fewer people. Let's hope ad revenue increases, or next we'll have another 150 layoffs and a quote from an anonymous focus group octogenarian talking about how a new new new new 6-inch wide newspaper is 'so much easier to use.'

And for cryin' out loud, fix the proportions on the comics. Dagwood is starting to look like young Abe Lincoln. I'm beginning to think they killed the 'realistic' strips like Mary Worth, Judge Parker and Rex Morgan because the art couldn't be narrowed by a third and still be legible.

Uh, so what's wrong with it?

http://www.newseum.org/media/dfp/jpg29/lg/OK_DOK.jpg

It looks to me, even at a glance, like there's less news. The editorial page is skimpier, too, although in the Oke's case, that might not be a bad thing.

The format is fine but it's clear they are trying to fill more space with less words.

I suppose that's inevitable given the current state and direction of print newspapers.

And as stated earlier, they are clearly putting more resources towards their on-line content.

From what I have seen I love the new format. It looks like a web site in paper format. Check out their web site introducing the new format.

The new Oklahoman for a new Oklahoma (http://www.thenewoklahoman.com/)

Sheesh.

To think they used to ridicule USA Today as being light on content. This thing makes USA Today look like "War and Peace."

That it looks "just like a web page" is precisely why it makes a bad newspaper format.

I wish them well, but I see nothing that makes me regret having cancelled my subscription about two months ago, after close to 20 years as a customer.

-SD

Nothing is wrong with it jbrown, I think it looks great. I love the expanded use of color as well.

The format is fine but it's clear they are trying to fill more space with less words.

They come right out and tell you as much. They are making basic articles more concise while allowing more room for longer investigative and complicated issue pieces. They are also doing boxes that summarize the stories in a few sentences or bullet points for those who only have time to skim. CNN does the same on their website. Their consultant for the redesign was a Tampa firm that did the same for the Wall Street Journal last year. Dallas Morning News is also about to redesign and go to the narrower format.

Here's what I can tell you - as with anything new, nothing is set in stone. And I do think the feedback, good or bad, is being looked at. In the meantime, I promise I'll be providing more background materials as needed at OKC Central — All about downtown OKC (http://www.okccentral.com) and I'll also be adding more videos at www.newsok.com. This is an adjustment for all of us, but it does provide some potentially fun new opportunities as well.

Steve, I'm really liking the redesign of both the paper and newsok. Will the blogs be redesigned as well?

Here's an item on Jim Lange's retirement (http://dailycartoonist.com/index.php/2008/10/10/jim-lange-retires-from-oklahoman-after-58-years/) after 58 (not a typo) years.

This actually appeared last week.