Redesign brings new look to the Pictou Advocate

By Raissa Tetanish

A redesign is always a big decision for a newspaper. Recently, after 130 years, the Pictou Advocate redesigned and made a major shift, from broadsheet to tabloid format. Tabloid formats are easier to read, featuring shorter and punchier stories, bold images, and strong designs.

Shawn Dalton, senior director of creative design and production, and his team spearheaded the new design.

“Changing the size of the Advocate was no small decision,” said Dalton. “Moving from a broadsheet to a 17-inch tab meant efficiencies on press that would save time and be more economical in the long run. It was also an opportunity to redesign the paper and freshen it up, a process that will continue as time goes on.”

Once Dalton and his team had some ideas, they passed them along for consideration and a decision on a final design. Time and consideration went into font selection for readability and accessibility, as well as what worked best for the paper. Style and tone for headlines and body copy were discussed, as well as how images work within the editorial copy.

We continue to hear reader feedback on the change and would love to know what you think — contact us to share your thoughts and suggestions.

McBain immediately dove back into the community.

He had a one-year stint on the Bridgewater Bulldogs baseball team board of directors and volunteered for scorekeeping at tournaments, and other fundraisers, where he secured Advocate’s support.

“Thank you to Advocate Media for sponsorship of the Bridgewater Bulldogs Baseball Association's Heart and Hustle Award, which was presented at the association's year-end banquet Sept. 23,” he says. “I know this will mean a lot to the recipient and it means a lot to show our support to the community that we live in.”

McBain's also a deacon and drummer for a local church, coached two youth soccer teams for two seasons, and is involved as a coach and vice-president of the South Shore Ice Storm sledge/para hockey team that last year had 33 members from ages five to 60.

And ever the LighthouseNow promoter, he suited up as Captain Lighthouse, the newspaper's mascot for the Queens County Fair, winning second place for commercial participants.

He encourages others to similarly dive into their communities. “Whether it's organizing fundraising events, participating in sports clubs, or mentoring local youth, volunteers play a big role in creating a stronger, unified area,” McBain says.