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Editor's Choices: a CJR Survey
America's Best Newspapers
American newspapers
are full of new ideas as they move into the twenty-first century. And those
ideas are not confined to the familiar large papers or a geographic corridor.
From Seattle to New Orleans, from San Jose to Concord, New Hampshire, editors
are dealing with the information age with determination and imagination. This
was the observation of those who participated in a CJR survey of America's
best newspapers, conducted especially for this issue. We realize this is just
one more ranking in a year in which the media are ranking just about everything,
but we believe there is a shared value for all in recognizing benchmark performances.
More than 100 American newspaper editors, representing large and small papers
from all regions of the country, cast ballots. Here are the top twenty-one.
In addition, an independent committee selected five 'Newspapers to Watch,'
singled out for creativity and new ideas. Descriptions of newspapers are based
on editors' comments (in quotes) or those of members of the independent committee.
Click here for the complete listing.
1
The New York Times
'Head and shoulders above everyone else.' Still the nation's newspaper of
record; superb use of its recently introduced color; has been expanding its
local coverage; continues to have a national, high-demographic focus.
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2
The Washington Post Less complete than the New York or Los Angeles Times,
but reflects its community well. It's the bible for coverage of national government
and politics. One editor included it in a list of papers that 'have made significant
impact on the political and cultural scenes in America.'
3
The Wall Street Journal 'It makes the list because of the depth
with which it covers a niche.' It maintains its high standards and its dedication
to investigative reporting and good writing while expanding arts and sports
coverage.
4
Los Angeles Times Clearly one of the big four, with top-level global reporting
staff and resource-rich regional coverage. Still looking for the local news
solution in a giant sprawling community. Awaiting redesign for easier reading.
5
Dallas Morning News The closing of its main competitor led to its
regional dominance, but it chose to expand its newshole and editorial budget,
not cut back. 'A solid regional paper that has made good use of its resources.'
Excellent sports and admirable coverage of Mexico. Flagship of editorial-driven
company.
6
Chicago Tribune Innovative while upholding tradition. Meeting changing
reader habits head-on and exploring its technological future while staying
a 'local paper in a big urban area, and that's tough.' 'It's not pretty, but
there's a lot in it.'
6
The Boston Globe Appealing and substantial, but the scars from fabricated
stories are still healing. How does it forge ahead under New York Times ownership?
8
San Jose Mercury News Despite editorial lapses that have occurred
in the last two years, this remains one of the nation's best, and best-looking,
newspapers. It pursues difficult stories. It has just about patented newspaper
coverage of the electronic revolution. It has led the way in incorporating
online coverage with traditional newsprint. Needs to balance speed with standards.
9
St. Petersburg Times Through its ownership by the Poynter Institute is
in a unique position of journalistic and financial freedom. 'Good writing
and solid local coverage.' 'A consistently outstanding regional paper.'
10
The Sun (Baltimore) 'Improved dramatically in recent years,' competes
well in shadow of The Washington Post. Praised for its writing, enterprise
reporting, community coverage, and getting the most from its resources. News
is still its reason for being.
11
The Philadelphia Inquirer Still a complete and well-written newspaper
even though there has been an exodus of top editors trained by Gene Roberts.
Has it lost its fire?
12
The Oregonian (Portland) Coming on strong. 'Visionary thinking and a sense
of community that translates into good, important stuff for readers.' Great
writing, and 'an energetic, creative newsroom, though not always focused.'
12
USA Today Getting increased respect. Praised for accuracy, investigative
reporting, and improved range. A trendsetter. 'I don't think USA Today gets
enough credit for the transformation they've made to take serious news seriously.'
'One of the very best sports sections.'
14
The Seattle TimesDeserves kudos for investigative reporting and taking
on 'sacred cows.' Also praised for its inventiveness in design, story selection,
and coverage of its community and its region, but local coverage needs to
keep improving.
15
Newsday (Long Island) The closing of New York Newsday was a blow, but
it's still the pacesetter of suburban journalism with a global range. Strong
on local and enterprise reporting.
16
The News & Observer (Raleigh, N.C.) An attractive, well-written paper,
with a fresh approach to layout. Fine opinion section and cutting-edge investigative
reporting, and thorough coverage of its community and state.
17
Star Tribune (Minneapolis) Under new ownership (McClatchy), the
commitment continues to quality coverage and to an understanding of the real
needs of audience.
17
The Miami Herald After struggling for the last few years, it's back with
a new publisher and a just-launched new look. Singled out for performance
under duress. A better paper than coverage about it would have you believe.
19
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution 'Its own special regional flavor,' but
uneven at times. Good sports section. A solid editorial page, unafraid to
be outspoken.
20
The Orange County Register Reflects suburban America. Notable local
coverage, sound news judgment, good graphics. In the forefront with new ideas
about coverage and newsroom organization. Keeping the L.A. Times at bay.
21
The Sacramento Bee The flagship of the McClatchy papers, wins praise
for excellent state government reporting. Creative relationship with readers.
| Editor's Choices: The Top 21 |
 Click here for the complete listing |
| Methodology: How the Papers Were Selected |
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Approximately 150 ballots were sent out to editors of newspapers in all fifty states, and to former American Society of Newspaper Editors' presidents. All papers with circulation over 150,000 on Sunday and several dozen smaller papers were included. The editors were asked to pick (but not rank) their top ten plus two 'wildcards' that they thought deserved special notice. A second group, an independent committee, would make the final ranking. Judgment was to be based on 'writing and reporting quality; editing and graphics; integrity, accuracy, and fairness; vision and innovation; and influence in their community and in the broader journalistic and public world,' to quote the letter sent to the editors by CJR. About two-thirds of the editors (104 in all) completed the ballot, maintaining geographic and size diversity. A few editors questioned the procedure. One said, 'There probably are truly great newspapers in small towns that serve their communities well, but most are unfamiliar to us. How can we pass judgment intelligently if we don't read them daily?' 'It wasn't a perfect process,' said David Laventhol, editorial director of CJR. 'But when you consider the history of 'best newspaper' rankings, this is the most thorough peer evaluation in some time, if not ever.' In fact, the independent committee chose to abide by the editors' voting, rather than re-rank the top twenty-one on a pure judgmental basis, which had been the original plan. 'The committee decided it was unnecessary and possibly counterproductive to have a second ranking,' Laventhol said. Instead, the independent committee picked five 'Newspapers to Watch,' as a way to identify newspapers that were particularly imaginative in their approaches. Members of the committee were Tom Goldstein, dean of the Columbia Journalism School; Geneva Overholser, syndicated columnist; James Naughton, president of the Poynter Institute; Nancy Hicks Maynard, Maynard Partners president; Tom Rosenstiel, director of the Project for Excellence in Journalism; Lee Stinnett, retired executive director of the American Society of Newspaper Editors; David Lawrence, retired publisher of The Miami Herald and president, The Early Childhood Initiative; and Joel Kramer, retired publisher of the Minneapolis Star Tribune and senior Cowles fellow, University of Minnesota. Laventhol, publisher and editorial director of CJR, chaired the group. Susan Teitz was research associate for this project. |
