Comparing Newspapers: Target Dating

To make comparisons, students must first become familiar with their local newspapers. They may use print, e-Editions and/or Web versions. For example, have students use the local newspaper to complete the activity sheet Looking at the Community. Then have them use other newspapers to complete the activity sheet and compare and contrast answers. Before making in-depth comparisons, students will benefit from learning more about the communities served by the different newspapers. The activity sheet Target Date Newspaper Profile asks them to record background information about the communities and their newspapers. Also provide Venn diagrams for students to record likenesses and differences between hometown newspaper and another newspaper. Consider providing a set of questions such as the following: 1. How is the newspaper organized? Is it similar or different from the local newspaper? 2. What issues and problems does the newspaper cover? 3. What are the three most common types of jobs advertised in the Classified section? Mentioned in the news stories? 4. What is the range or average costs for buying three or four bedroom homes? For renting two and three bedroom apartments? How do these compare to costs in your local community? 5. What businesses advertise in the newspaper? Are they similar to businesses that serve your own community? 6. What types of entertainment are available? At what costs? 7. Are there local sports teams? What college and professional teams receive the most prominent coverage? 8. Are there museums? Similar activities can be applied to print, replica or e-Editions and Web editions. Have students start by examining print, electronic and/or Web versions of their local newspaper on a specific day. Students should also use Venn diagrams in describing the similarities and differences among print, replica or e-Editions and Web editions of newspapers. Online sites aggregate newspapers’ Web sites, allowing students ready access to Web editions published in North Carolina, the United States and around the world. The North Carolina Press Association and other press associations link to newspapers in their states. Visitwww.ncpress.com and click on NCPA to access North Carolina newspapers on the Web. Newspaper Association of America makes newspapers accessible through a clickable map at NewsVoyager. Newseum offers front pages from around the world each day. For related lessons, visit the following sites: From Printed Page to Home Page: Comparing On-Line Newspapers to Their Print Counterparts - "In this lesson, students assess the roles of print and on-line versions of local newspapers in fostering ties among the people in a community and then draft a letter to the editor of the on-line version of the newspaper to offer specific suggestions on how it might be improved." Black, White and Digitized All Over: Examining the Pros and Cons of Print Newspapers and Online News Sites - "In this lesson, students examine the pros and cons of getting news from print newspapers and from their online counterparts. Students compare and contrast a printed newspaper with its online version, and then compose letters to editors of print and online newspapers suggesting how they might improve their publications." Student Worksheets or Organizers Newspaper Profile Looking at the Community