For long-time islanders, the size and format of this week’s edition will seem familiar.

The Islands’ Sounder and the Journal of the San Juans have returned to their original size, called a “broadsheet.” We transitioned to a smaller presentation, called a tabloid, in 2010, which is appealing for its easy-to-hold pages.

But like companies across the globe, the COVID-19 pandemic has required us to reassess our business practices, and the new size of our newspapers is a result of that reinvention.

Broadsheets are long and vertical with a height of 20 inches while tabloids are 12.5 inches in height. The width of our pages is remaining the same. Most national newspapers are identified by their broadsheet format — most notably, the New York Times.

Two of our sister newspapers — The Herald, in Everett, and Peninsula Daily News, in Port Angeles — are both broadsheets that publish daily. When those editions came off of the press that we all share here at Sound Publishing, massive rolls of newsprint needed to be traded out. This is no easy feat as a roll of newsprint can weigh upwards of 900 pounds and must be maneuvered with forklifts.

In addition to the time and expense of replacing newsprint rolls on the press, there are the logistics of purchasing and storing different sizes of paper. From a financial and logistical standpoint, it makes sense for all of our newspapers to follow a standardized size.

We think our new appearance is more traditional and professional. It also gives us more space for larger photos, stories and ad sizes. This is a benefit for our readers and our advertisers.

Once again, we recognize the remarkable financial support of our communities. It is thanks to our subscribers and advertisers that we are still producing a relevant, weekly newspaper.

We hope you like our new (old) look.