AROUND HOME : Newspaper Tours

MUCH GOES INTO publishing a daily paper, and older children can get a good understanding of how a newspaper is put together by taking a guided tour of a newspaper’s offices. Generally, tours are organized so that they follow the basic news process, or how information becomes a newspaper. They usually begin in the editorial department, where staff writers are seen preparing their stories; then to the composing room, where page layout can be witnessed. Often tours include a stop at the photography lab and an explanation of platemaking; almost all show the presses running, schedule permitting. Some tours follow the paper “out the door,” stopping in the delivery area to see the trucks being loaded with newspapers.

The guides of those tours are always careful that their charges do not disrupt the ongoing business of the paper. For this reason and because of insurance requirements, minimum ages for children on tours are firm. Make reservations for a private group tour at least a month in advance, longer if a particular date and time are desired. For first-come, first-served public tours, arrive at least 15 minutes before the tour begins to be assured of a spot.

The Los Angeles Times offers tours at three facilities: downtown Los Angeles, San Fernando Valley and Orange County. Children must be at least 10 years old, or in the fifth grade. Tours are offered to the general public Monday through Friday at 11:15 a.m. and 3 p.m., at 1st and Spring streets, Los Angeles. Reservations are not required. Scheduled group tours must have at least 10 people. Free parking is available at 213 S. Spring St.

Children can tour The Times Orange County Edition Tuesday at 3 p.m., at 1375 Sunflower Ave., Costa Mesa (reservations are not required). Group tours for eight or more can be arranged; individuals or smaller groups can tag along with pre-scheduled tours.

Tours of The Times San Fernando Valley Facility are offered at 20000 Prairie St., Chatsworth. During the summer months, open tours are available to the public on Wednesday and Thursday at 10:45 a.m. (no reservations). Throughout the year, tours can also be scheduled by appointment for 9:30 and 10:45 a.m. Monday through Friday.

The Long Beach Press-Telegram offers tours to children age 8 (or third grade) and older at 604 Pine Ave., Long Beach. There are no tours during the summer, but reservations can be made starting in September for tours during the school year. Tours are offered weekdays at 10 a.m., and at 2, 3:30 and 4 p.m.

Tours of the San Diego Union-Tribune for groups of 18 or more are booked by appointment. Children must be at least 10 years old (or in the fifth grade). Tours are scheduled for Monday through Friday at 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. at 350 Camino de la Reina, San Diego.

The Orange County Register requires that children be in the fourth grade and above. Tours can be scheduled for Monday through Wednesday at 11 a.m. at 625 N. Grand Ave., Santa Ana.

At the Los Angeles Daily News, children must be age 10 or older and be either producing newspapers or studying newspapers in school to tour the offices at 21221 Oxnard St., Woodland Hills.