ISSUED: 14 September 2015
MEDIA CONTACT: Valerie Owens
SHEPHERDSTOWN, WV — Readers of Shepherd University’s student newspaper, The Picket, may have noticed there haven’t been any print editions available on campus this semester. That’s because the newspaper is now all digital and can be read only online and through the new SU Picket News mobile app.
Todd Bowman, editor-in-chief, said The Picket launched its mobile app after discontinuing the biweekly publication of the paper.
“After reviewing statistics nationwide, we found that students were more apt to look at news on their phone,” Bowman said. “Fewer newspapers were being picked up by students, and we were having issues selling advertising in a print edition.”
Bowman said The Picket will continue publishing on its website, and both the app and website will be updated daily.
“We feel we are going to be able to push news out in a more timely fashion to the student body, faculty, staff, and community,” he said. “If something major happens, we can have a story and photo up within a couple minutes.”
Bowman said going mobile also allows The Picket staff to push out breaking news notifications. Bowman encourages students, parents, alumni, and community members to download the app so they can keep up with student news.
The app is currently available for Android devices and should be available in iTunes within 30 days. To find the app, search for SU Picket News in the app stores. To visit the website, go to supicket.com.
Listen to the interview with Todd Bowman HERE.
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