The problem with the deadlines is this:
The newspaper in print has suffered enormously because of the internet, social media, instant news sources. Naturally most people want info right friggin now. How often have we complained because we cant watch a game anywhere on tv or streaming? Since the majority of people want instant info, printing the info becomes old very fast. The El Paso Times, in an effort to save money and stay afloat, has combined all their properties in Southern NM and El Paso into one printing facility which is in El Paso. They have also drastically reduced the delivery force in an effort to save money as well. Obviously, they need fewer to deliver when their circulation is dropping faster than a rock off a bridge.
Now remember, they print for Silver City, Deming, Las Cruces, Ruidoso, Carlsbad, Alamogordo, and El Paso. The extended delivery area includes Van Horn, Alpine (sundays), Artesia, T or C, Caballo, etc. Therefore, the deadlines had to be moved up to get all publications printed (things still must be changed between publications at ANY newspaper which takes time) and out the door at a decent time so they get delivered. I really don't think the deadline is 7 pm at the El Paso Times. I believe their stories must be ready to print by 10 as they are the last to go to press.
Most newspapers are hurting because of the digital age. I understand this. IMHO there is still a need for the printed version, but it needs to be reinvented. The daily paper should no longer be about events that happened yesterday. It should be more about in depth local stories and local people. Stuff you can't find on the internet easily. You don't think people would love to read about little johnny coming from segundo barrio being the star on Bowie's freshman team? How about Franklin's cheerleading squad qualifying for nationals? C'mon....This would make the printed version live on as a LOT of family members across the city will buy the paper. (not just this story but more like it) And don't make the printed version available online!
Charging for the digital version is STUPID! Why would ANYONE want to pay for the news the Times puts online when you can get the same news, done better, from various other sources for FREE online? I get it, their revenue numbers are in the tank. Fix your product and make it worth paying for. The goal of Gannett now is to get every dime out of the printed product before killing it completely.
There IS a demand for the printed product. If there wasn't, all magazines would be gone. Hell, look at El Paso Inc. They aren't killing positions and product. They are changing the way they do things.
It's a damn shame what has happened to the newspaper. I haven't picked one up to read in almost 5 years. At least I hear the horrible management is changing little by little.
Oh and....reducing the staff in editorial has got to be the dumbest thing EVER! Yeah, lets cover the news with less people in a larger area. I'm SURE that's a good idea....
Wow....what a ramble.....sorry...
