WEBSTER THE NEWSHOUND not only provides an editorial feature that meets the humour and entertainment requirements of your newspaper, but, because of its "newspaper" theme, it can also support your NIE programs and help build awareness of the services that newspapers provide to their communities.

The addition of an information line to each strip (above or below) can provide an "advertisement" and contact point for those programs.

How Can WEBSTER Assist Your
NIE PROGRAMS and EDUCATIONAL ACTIVITIES?

1. The first objective of WEBSTER THE NEWSHOUND is to be ENTERTAINING, HUMOUROUS, ENJOYABLE and FUN. People generally accept and retain information best when it is presented in such positive ways.

2. The comic strip was designed to appeal to both adults and children. It is important to recognize both those representing the newspaper's future markets (tomorrow's readers, subscribers and advertisers) and those responsible for their education.

3. The comic strip is DISTINCTIVE and REPRESENTATIVE of the newspaper industry. WEBSTER'S role as a newshound will take him through activities representing the broad range of information and services that newspapers provide to their communities.

4. WEBSTER is a character that readers can "follow". The ongoing adventures of an identifiable character will help to encourage kids to seek out the comic strip for the next installment - a step on the way to becoming a regular and overall newspaper reader.

5. Such a character adds INTEREST and a STRONG VISUAL ELEMENT to educational material (study programs, etc.). See: NEWSPAPER TALK

6. The existence and availability of your NIE programs can be kept in front of the public on a CONSISTENT basis. This consistent reminder will build the level of awareness.

7. The comic strip can provide a CONTACT POINT for NIE programs. If people want to know who to contact for more information, all they need to do is find the comic strip. It's an easy to find "ad" - same place, same paper, every week.

8. Such promotion of NIE programs has NO ADDITIONAL COST (other than the regular syndication fee for editorial content).

9. The newshound SONG ( "THE NEWSHOUND SHUFFLE" ) further relays the value of newspapers and the information that they provide (Who? What? When? Where? Why?)

10. The comic strip applies an ADVERTISING PRINCIPLE: editorial features attract the reader, thereby giving exposure to the accompanying message. It draws upon the PROVEN POPULARITY of cartoons and comic strips, and their PROVEN EFFECTIVENESS in advertising.

11. Webster cartoon strips are also available to subscribers in formats that may be included on a newspaper's web site as both entertainment (previous comic strips) and an identifying or focal point for NIE programs.

12. The cartoon images and character can help to UNITE, STRENGTHEN, and REINFORCE other promotional activities and materials as part of an overall educational and marketing plan. For example:
    - Teaching outlines, study programs and guides.
    - Information sheets, mailers, announcements, hand-outs, posters, displays.
    - Kids' contests and competitions (writing, reporting, drawing, photography).
    - Personal appearances (costume) at community events, parades, etc.
    - Newshound song for promotions, parades, school appearances, etc.