During Max Frankel’s tenure as executive editor of the New York Times, he noticed that the paper was overwhelming its readers with an excessive amount of content. He expressed his concern in an internal memo in 1987, stating that they were drowning their readers in ink. The current executive editor, Joseph Kahn, agrees with Frankel’s observation and has launched an initiative to reduce the word counts in routine Times coverage.
This new effort aims to provide a diverse report that reflects the expertise of the Times’ reporters while also considering the needs and preferences of their readers. However, Kahn and his team want to make it clear that they are not abandoning long-form stories and investigations that are known for breaking news and winning awards. The Times’ “Great Read” initiative, for example, showcases in-depth storytelling with stories that average over 2,000 words, such as a 13,000-word investigation of Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine in December 2022.
Longer pieces that provide context and history within news stories have often been a contentious topic. However, internal analytics at the Times have shown that readers engage more with articles that include this kind of information. The data also reveals that readers are more likely to click on another Times story after finishing the first one.
In the past, initiatives to reduce word counts were largely based on gut feelings and personal preferences of editors. However, Kahn’s approach is more data-driven. By acknowledging the success achieved by reporters who have produced shorter pieces that still attract strong readership, he hopes to encourage others to follow suit. Examples of these successful shorter articles include a piece on Eminem vs. Vivek Ramaswamy (367 words), a guide to charging electric vehicles (881 words), and a dispatch on the London Zoo’s animal weigh-in (365 words).
Overall, the Times’ initiative to reduce word counts is part of a broader discussion about the role of context and the value of linking in modern journalism. While this article does not delve into that discussion in detail, it highlights the efforts made by the Times to adapt and cater to their audience’s preferences while still maintaining their reputation for excellent journalism.
Denial of responsibility! Vigour Times is an automatic aggregator of Global media. In each content, the hyperlink to the primary source is specified. All trademarks belong to their rightful owners, and all materials to their authors. For any complaint, please reach us at – [email protected]. We will take necessary action within 24 hours.
