ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1997, Roanoke Times
DATE: Wednesday, March 5, 1997 TAG: 9703050047
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: A-1 EDITION: METRO
When you open your Roanoke Times on Thursday, you'll notice some changes. We hope you'll have a few extra minutes to look them over.
Over the past two years, we've asked thousands of readers what they thought of The Roanoke Times, using surveys, interviews, focus groups and other research tools. We're grateful to all of you who took the time to participate. Not surprisingly, your tastes and opinions vary widely.
But you do have one thing in common. However much, or little, of the newspaper you read, it's an important part of your lives. We take that seriously. Our goal is to fit your varied lifestyles and provide the depth, variety and quality of coverage that you expect.
You told us some other things as well.
Your time is valuable.
Many of you are extremely busy. You may juggle work, family and school - and have precious little free time. Your schedules are so tight you may have to read the newspaper on the bus, during a lunch break, before bedtime or while you dish up oatmeal for the kids.
So you'd appreciate finding exactly what you need in a hurry. You'd like to be able to skim the paper for important news, fast.
But you still need to be fully informed. So while we'll make it easier to get the news you need, we will never compromise on in-depth coverage. That's our promise.
You appreciate anything that makes your life easier.
We'll bring you tips for managing your busy lifestyle. We'll have special offers on family activities. We'll also tell you about things to do that you might not hear about elsewhere.
All in all, we'll save you money, time and energy.
You care about your community - the people, places and events.
You still want the news from the rest of the world. But, more than ever, you also want to know what's happening in your own back yard. Whether you live in, around or beyond Roanoke, there are plenty of stories right here, every day, that beg to be told. They inspire us, uplift us, move us to tears or action. Always, they inform us.
We'll bring you more of the stories about people you know and people you can identify with. And we'll offer you ways to become more involved.
Beginning Thursday, you'll see more of what you've asked us for: A read on your world.
It's a world that's complex, fascinating and always changing. We can't wait to bring it to you - more effectively than ever before.
- The editors
LENGTH: Medium: 51 linesby CNB