Journalism students debut new website at board meeting
Editor-in-chief Bobby Zuiss explains to the board the advantages of having an online newspaper.
James Flath, Sports Co-Editor
September 10, 2009
Filed under News
As a sign of the times, the 61-year-old school newspaper, The Cutlass, has ceased in its tradtional print format. In it’s place, this website, bhscutlass.com will be the new source of student news for the students of BHS. Student editors debuted the new site Sept. 10 before the school board showcasing the many features of this new site.
Publications Adviser Jim Carter said the printed newspaper is ”becoming a dinosaur” and The Cutlass is following a nationwide trend of the professional press. BHS is, however, one of the first schools in Missouri to replace its printed paper for an online version. Staff members welcomed the change with open arms for many reasons.
Editor-in-Chief Bobby Zuiss helped make the decision to create an online news magazine to replace the printed publication. Zuiss said that it will be easier to update and the stories will be updated faster than ever. The online paper also gives the ability to put more photos on display.
“We will try to update it every day,” Zuiss said. “The web-based newspaper allows us to print more photos and will give the readers more input through polls and commenting.”
The decision to switch to an online paper came at the end the past school year. The newspaper staff had many factors to consider, but together they decided that the online paper was more advantageous because of the current trends in journalism, cost factors, the timeliness of articles and photos, and it’s better for the environment.
“We wanted the paper to go online so more people would actually read it,” said Zuiss.
Junior Zac Sweets, Student Life Editor, supports the idea of an online paper. He said that the move will benefit the students and they will be more in touch with the school, because everyone wants to know what is going on, but don’t know where to get the information. The new online newspaper solves this problem.
“Students will be able to know more about what’s going on in and around the school,” Sweets said.
Carter said that consultations with administration yielded the final decision, and he truly believed that the change was for the best. He said that many newspapers around the country are closing up shop and going online.
“It’s sad to see the newspaper industry die, but it’s a reality,” said Carter.
The most significant reason that the newspaper changed was financial in nature. The old paper cost more than $3,000 a year to be printed.
“Financially, we get a lot more for a lot less,” Carter said.
The online paper is better for the environment and saves hundreds of pounds of paper each year.
“Not printing on paper will help the environment,” Carter added, “and the custodial staff won’t mind not having to scoop papers up off the floor after lunch, either.”
The Cutlass online will welcome comments and letters to the editor just as the print publication offered. The staff wants as much feedback and interaction as possible, so that all student viewpoints are represented.
Carter said that even though the technology has changed, the commitment to excellence in scholastic journalism remains the same as BHS leads the way into this new era of media.
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Never expected this! The site looks awesome! Way to go from a past journalism junkie.
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I think that you guys have done a wonderful job putting the paper online and keeping it updated.
I do however think that it is disappointing that the Technology department within the school district hasn’t embraced the site. Adding a story and link from the Quick News email as well as a link from the main district site would be a great finishing touch.
Great job to Mr. Carter and the newspaper staff.
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