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, the Mainichi Newspapers set up an external advisory committee, aiming to utilize the experience of committee members in operating and improving the site.

On Oct. 23, committee members Sadaaki Numata, former Japanese ambassador to Canada; Andrew Horvat, visiting professor at Tokyo Keizai 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 September launch.

Topics covered during the meeting included news translation and revision, and the extent of coverage, including editorials and opinion-related content. Committee members also provided suggestions on layout and features of the site, such as photo content.

In addition, the committee members emphasized the importance of experience in covering news in English, and provided opinions about individual articles. Other topics of discussion included the use of content from the Japanese language Mainichi Shimbun, and the MDN's relationship with its readers.

The Mainichi will take the points that emerged during meeting into consideration as it looks to improve its editorial policies.

The Mainichi Newspapers Co., Ltd.