Latest advisory committee comments on progress of revamped MDN site

In line with the launch of the renewed Mainichi Daily News (MDN) site on Sept. 1, 2008, the Mainichi Newspapers set up an external advisory committee, aiming to utilize the experience of committee members in operating and improving the site.

On Feb. 12, committee members Sadaaki Numata, former Japanese ambassador to Canada; Andrew Horvat, director of the Stanford Japan Center at Doshisha University; and Susan Millington, executive director of the English Speaking Union of Japan, met with members of the Mainichi and discussed the site's progress since its launch and the last similar meeting held on Oct. 23, 2008.

Topics for discussion ranged from the site design and style of presentation of op-ed columns to the extent of coverage of both foreign and domestic news. Proposals included that the site should be more eye-friendly when carrying long articles by using more images and reviewing the fonts, as well as provide more interactivity with readers. The committee members also pointed out the need to analyze the readership so that the MDN could cater to the needs of a wider audience more effectively.

The Mainichi will continue to be committed to improving the MDN based on the opinions of the committee members as well as readers.

The Mainichi Newspapers Co., Ltd.