DHAKA: Broadsheet, the traditional print version of newspapers worldwide are either becoming compact or moving only online versions following the change of readers’ choice with digital devices and also the decline of traditional choices of advertising. 

As the cost, delay, and waste generated by daily print are huge hindrances, the broadsheet version of newspapers is failing to survive in the country as elsewhere in the world.

The changes in the concept of news and the economics hit the newspaper industry and the process of turning print version into online version and broadsheet into compact is already there.

The country’s national English daily Dhaka Tribune began its journey on April 19 of 2013, but it had to stop its broadsheet edition on February 28 this year, reflecting the trend of the change.

On March 1 (Sunday), the Dhaka Tribune launched its 32-page compact newspaper with a vow that that the new format will enhance its readers’ daily reading experience and that the new-look paper will be more readable and convenient than ever before.

Dhaka Tribune, according to the Sunday’s editorial, assures its readers saying, “Have no fear that there will be any compromise on quality. The newspaper will continue to be as hard-hitting and in-depth as before. Don’t let the new look fool you! We may be smaller, but we will still pack a wallop, and you will find no more serious paper anywhere on the market.”

With this, the newly founded newspaper has taken a quick decision to cope-up with the present trend of news world. 

The editorial says: Today, the Dhaka Tribune proudly joins the modern trend of compact papers, following in the august foot-steps of publications such as The Times, The (UK) Independent, The Guardian, The Christian Science Monitor, Le Monde, the Wall Street Journal, and many more.

Many of the above have already chosen themselves to be published as online only. 

Judy Wolff, chairman of the Board of Trustees of The Christian Science Publishing Society. "We plan to take advantage of the Internet in order to deliver the Monitor's journalism more quickly, to improve the Monitor's timeliness and relevance, and to increase revenue and reduce costs. We can do this by changing the way the Monitor reaches its readers."

Before going to compact version, N. Christian Anderson III, president of Oregonian Media Group and publisher of The Oregonian said: “The new format will allow for a stronger visual presentation of editorial content and advertising. With color on every page and a streamlined design, the compact will be a richer experience for our readers.”

"The traditional broadsheet format was due for an upgrade," said Peter Bhatia, Oregonian Media Group's vice president of content.

 "Today's readers want a more convenient and efficient way to consume the news that matters to them. With the new compact format, we're presenting the same quality journalism in a smarter package.”

Newsweek, the 80-year-old US current affairs magazine, is to become an online-only publication.

Newsweek merged with the internet news group the Daily Beast two years ago. The Daily Beast's founder, Tina Brown, said its site now had more than 15 million unique visitors a month, a 70% increase on last year.

“Exiting print is an extremely difficult moment for all of us who love the romance of print and the unique weekly camaraderie of those hectic hours before the close on Friday night,” Tina Brown was saying.

BDST: 1903 HRS, MAR 1, 2015