Since Edward Greenspon became the editor-in-chief in 2002, the Globe and Mail - both the paper and its electronic version - has been through numerous redesigns. The clear direction that Greenspon has presented over the past seven years has been visual aesthetic over substance.
Formerly, the Globe and Mail was the top paper in Canada for in depth news coverage, for in depth analysis. It had columnists with both wit and understanding the issues at play in Canada.
Perhaps in an effort to compete with the National Post, Greenspon deemed it necessary to focus on the more human, the more gossipy side of journalism. In came more photos, the anonymous sources, greater reporting on the personalities in Ottawa as opposed to the impact that they have in federal politics. In came the crime beat and the human interest stories. Most of all, in came the redesigns.
It feels like once a year Edward Greenspon is making a big announcement about how this historic paper is being re-imagine. It has received its own font. It has gone from two sections to several sections and shrunk action. And now, the website is redesigned (again).
After so many redesigns, perhaps it is time to ask if it is the look of the Globe and Mail that needs to be changed or its substance?
UPDATE:
Senor Wells' column deals with the problems with the Globe set out above and the parting with Greenspon over here.
2 comments:
It's the substance. Did you know in advance that Greenspoon was on his way out? New editor announced today, John Stackhouse.
I would like to say that I am able to influence the executive decisions of the brass at the Globe and Mail, but unfortunately I cannot take credit for such.
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