Staff Report

The Eagle View Newspaper has expanded from a print to a digital platform. Eagle View is trying a new form of distribution called EPUB. EPUB was developed by the International Digital Publishing Forum, a global trade and standard organization that works and promotes electronic publishing applications and products. 

EPUB is an open eBook format that can be read on various devices, including tablets, computers, and smartphones. It is based on HTML or the Hypertext Markup Language, so it is highly adaptable, Duane Coleman, newspaper and layout design teacher, said. 

To open an EPUB file on Android devices, Adobe has Adobe Digital Editions (ADE) that are free to download and can be found in the Google Play stores. ADE can help readers read the EPUB format online and offline, according to Adobe.com. 

“Print newspaper circulation has declined in many parts of the world for several years,” Coleman said. “As more people turn to digital sources for news and information, the demand for print newspapers has waned. I believe newspapers will continue to adapt to the digital age, and they will explore the evolving landscape of digital publishing technologies, allowing them to reach a wider audience,” Coleman said.

“I’m delighted that the Eagle View students have decided to tackle our first true e-publication this semester,” Debbie Miller, journalism professor, said. “This project stems from the work of several students, with Managing Editor Samantha McClain leading the way and working closely with Duane Coleman, who teaches our newspaper design and layout class. All wanted the e-publication to be more interactive and linked to other content on the web.”

Miller said the work fits in nicely with a desire from students and the faculty adviser to deliver news content in both print and digital formats. “We are the campus newspaper with a strong focus on our student audience,” she added. “Operating in the digital space helps us better connect with that key audience. I credit others, especially Mr. Coleman and McClain, for taking on this challenge.”

Samantha McClain, the managing editor of the Eagle View, started the idea after going on a field trip with her class, media and society taught by Miller. McClain learned about the decline of print newspapers; however, going to Celebrate Arkansas Magazine’s home office, McClain learned about the importance of being flexible in both digital and printing formats. 

“By going digital with EPUB, newspapers will reduce the environmental impact associated with paper production and waste,” Coleman said. With the Eagle View trying a digital format, it will align with stability goals and reduce its carbon footprint. 

Eagle View has two sets of archives: a physical archive in the Eagle View newsroom and a digital library on the NWACC website. Eagle View is exploring more ways to conserve and archive newspapers that journalists can use for future research.

“EPUB files can be easily archived and preserved for future references, ensuring that our newspaper’s content remains accessible over time,” Coleman said.

https://indd.adobe.com/view/c5a5c847-1f18-4e77-bef0-80b5437a1049

The link above leads to the EPUB document.