In this lesson, students learn about the different sections of a newspaper and how each relates to different aspect of a community. Working in small groups, students examine the difference between local and national newspaper coverage through visual and written evaluations. Each student team analyzes a section of a community newspaper and compares it to the corresponding section of The New York Times. Students submit reports evaluating the news coverage in their assigned section in both papers. Links to additional online resources are also provided. (author/ncl)

Arts and Communication students will benefit by comparing a local and a national newspaper, evaluating the type of information they include, and the information which is omitted. It contains an exercise demonstrating how a newspaper is reflective of the community it serves, a useful activity as students seek to evaluate potential re-location sites, sites for businesses, the economic potential of various localities and other information helpful to decision-making. The site contains suggestions for extension activites, and a student evaluation.