Behind the scenes: Computer-to-plate technology

Today’s paper may, or may not, look slightly different to the discerning eyes of some readers.

That’s because today’s paper was produced entirely in a computer-to-plate (CTP) prepress technology which the newspaper has been implementing recently. Here is a link to a wonderful graphic by Ray Pineda of the Knoxville (Tenn.) News Sentinel which explains the process. It’s safe to say that hot lead typesetting won’t be coming back.

Editor Steve Smith said he saw “no discernible difference” in the paper, but it was agreed by him and others at the table that “Kind of normal on a first day is good,” as far as technology changeovers go. The photos and graphics are expected to reproduce more sharply over time.

As for content, it was kind of a slow news day but the following stories received comments: Valley lot size hearing; Spokane parks Bond; and the BlueRay disc plant story.