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Newspapers Stay Focused on Katrina, Up for Pulitzers

Though most Americans have lost interest in coverage of Hurricane Katrina - considered modern America’s largest natural disaster - The Sun Herald out of Gulfport, Mississippi, and The Times-Picayune remain focused on the effects of the storm, writes The New York Times. The papers have been recognized for their continued coverage of Katrina, and both may receive Pulitzer Prizes next week.

 

Both newspapers have taken on a new importance in their communities as sources of news and as advocates for the victims, by connecting with readers like newspapers did prior to the arrival of television.

Though the papers have just about reached pre-Katrina readership figures, advertising revenue is still low, as only 10 percent of the area businesses have reopened. “We’re suffering significant revenue losses,” said Ashton Phelps Jr., Times-Picayune publisher.

The rebuilding of the city and the paper depends partly on the return of advertisers. “It’s a chicken-and-egg thing,” said Tod Smith, New Orleans-based advertising director. “What comes first, the services that people need? Or the people who support the services? There are a lot of unanswered questions.”

The Times-Picayune currently runs several car dealer ads and small ads for mold remediation and air-duct cleaning services. The department store Dillard’s is open and buying full-page ads as well.