Advisory panel comments on MDN content, approach to readers

An advisory panel set up in line with the Sept. 1, 2008, launch of the renewed Mainichi Daily News (MDN) site, met members of the Mainichi on June 25, commenting on editorial issues and proposals for site content and layout.

Panel 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, discussed the format of the site and the MDN's role as a Japan-based online news provider after receiving an explanation of recent site issues.

During the meeting, the Mainichi introduced its recent utilization of the micro-blogging site Twitter, which lets users post 140-character messages, as a tool to spread MDN content, and panel members welcomed use of the service.

The Mainichi also provided information on the positive response from readers to articles such as those regarding the success of Haruki Murakami's recently released novel "1Q84." Commenting on popular topics, committee members suggested focused coverage in such fields as J-pop and Japanese lifestyle topics.

Panel members also welcomed the Mainichi's various proposals on additions to the site and site layout, as well as the possibility of sections focusing on such areas as travel or information technology, and discussed the MDN's approach to readers in terms of site content.

The Mainichi remains committed to improving the MDN based on the opinions of the committee members.

The Mainichi Newspapers Co., Ltd.