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Express-News Undercut by Front-Page Ad

Posted on November 6th, 2009 11:52am by Jason Heid
Filed under Crime, Media

I have no particular objection to running unobtrusive front-page ads on newspapers. I’d prefer that they remain confined to a small strip across the bottom, but I know that with some papers trying anything and everything to remain afloat, there’s going to be experimentation. The local Star Community Newspapers group has even been floating ads in the center of the front page, above the fold and surrounded by content.

But can we all agree that today’s San Antonio Express-News front is just awful? Maybe papers should set some sort of guideline. Something that says ads will be omitted from the front when they’re running a two-line, six-column head? Or when the lead story has a major body count?

4 Comments to “Express-News Undercut by Front-Page Ad”

Tinman @ November 6th, 2009 at 1:08 pm

The contract for that ad was probably signed long ago. I don’t see anything offensive about that ad placement. Keep in mind the ad is placed “below the fold” so the ad never would even be visible when the ad is placed on your doorstep, or in a newsrack.

Now if we could only do something about those horrible sticker-type ads the DMN runs on their front page………..
Tom @ November 6th, 2009 at 2:54 pm

Reminds me of the old “Buckwheat is dead” sketch in the Eddie Murphy days of SNL.
“Violence at Fort Hood, but The Party is Here! Because everyone would have wanted it that way.”
Chalk it up as another “benefit” of corporate-controlled journalism. Wick may not like the Texas Tribune, but it would never do something like this.
Keith @ November 6th, 2009 at 2:57 pm

My only problem is that it reminded me that we don’t have a Spec’s in Dallas. I miss that place.
Buck @ November 7th, 2009 at 1:46 pm

The ad looks like good money to me.

How long have you worked in the publishing business? If they pay the invoice, then it’s a good ad.