Knoxville News

Walking in through the wide glass doors at the Knoxville News Sentinel, I entered a spacious, open lobby. The modern lighting and shiny floors reminded my of a newspaper building from a big city or a movie. This seemed like such a fun place to work.

It was bigger than I'd anticipated, and as I turned in circles to take it all in, I practically ran into Managing Editor Jack Lail, who had come to lead me and another classmate up to the newsroom.

The newsroom was exciting in one of those serious, quiet ways. Everyone sat diligently typing in their neatly organized, spacious cubicles. Computers were spread all across the room, and a line of Macs with screens the size of TVs lined a wall toward the back of the room.

The employees of the News Sentinel seemed as organized and updated as the room in which they worked. The managing editor and his colleagues talked about moving the paper forward and appealing to audiences, such as the students at UT. I thought it was interesting how they thought of sending news alerts through everything from Internet to text messaging. Reporters and editors at the News Sentinel have also updated the cameras they use to be set up to shoot video or take pictures as last minute as 15 minutes before hand.

The Knoxville News Sentinel seems to have everything it needs to appeal to a younger audience--an audience that wants news to be fast and convenient. The paper's website even features a blog that talks about other blogs. The paper also allows for citizen commentary on issues in the news and draws locals in by allowing them to share and be journalists. People can submit pictures and video footage and can even start a blog. The paper's website not only offers all these options, but it is also easy to navigate and it's appealing to look at, featuring graphics, photos and slideshows.