In search of a centerpiece

Each day readers of the Indiana Daily Student pick up the newspaper to see the top stories of the day. But when it comes time to plan the front page, more elements are considered than just the biggest news.\nAt the staff's daily budget meeting, stories are "pitched" for the front page and the editor in chief or managing editor decides the order in which they will appear. A normal front page has five stories, with at least the top two generally reserved for hard news, which includes stories about tuition increases, basketball coach rumors, bank robberies or IU administration searches.\nThe third story, however, is sometimes hard news and sometimes a feature -- that means it's a profile of a local barber, a history of Chuck Taylor, a piece chronicling the rise of Sudoku or a fun look at a local pet chapel. We call that story the "centerpiece" of page one and it always has inviting art -- whether in the form of photos, graphics or illustrations. \nSometimes people wonder why these stories appear on the front page. We often receive e-mails criticizing them because readers think they aren't "news." However, we also have to factor in newsstand appeal, which measures the impact the page has when people see it on a stand. That matters quite a bit to us because without any newsstand appeal, far fewer people pick up the paper each day. And if no one picks up the paper, we're all out of jobs.\nThe process for planning these centerpieces actually begins with a brainstorming session the Friday before the week of publication. From this meeting, ideas are refined, assigned to reporters and photographers and then pitched at the budget meeting for the next day's paper. \nIf more than one centerpiece is pitched, a timeless feature could be held a day to make room for one that is tied to a current event or date. If both have to be in the paper that day, the more interesting story -- and the one with the best art -- will make the front page while the other will be pushed inside the newspaper.\nFrom there, all the potential art is considered. I look through the photos (if there are any) or consult with our graphics staff about producing a graphic or illustration. Sometimes the entire centerpiece package is one big illustration. Other times it is a combination of photos and graphics around the story.\nAfter the preliminary plan is set, the actual design of the centerpiece is up to the designer. I consult with whomever is designing the page before leaving for the night, but the next morning is the first time I actually see it on the page. \nAnd if all goes well, I can't wait to pick it up.