August 2009 Archives

Here we go... Friday night has arrived, a mad-busy week has flown past, and now is the time for a crucial note on the newspaper story of the week.

The above link was to a fairly straight report in the Birmingham Mail, so there are other, more detailed versions on media-specific websites here and here and here for those who want variety.

And to complete the circle for those who want full initial research, you can also read the official announcement by Trinity Mirror.

In summary: despite recent changes, closures and cost-savings, Trinity Mirror Midlands is making a loss as a region, and the company projects that this will continue in 2010 if more action is not taken.

Among possible ideas it has to save more money are: 1/ turning the morning Birmingham Post into a quality weekly newspaper; 2/ turning the Birmingham Mail from a live, evening newspaper into an overnight publication (produced the day before its dateline).

The company has stressed that no decisions have been taken, and its announcement explains that it wants to fully consult before any plans are made.

At the Post there are already preferred options, with one favoured by both the company and the editor, Marc Reeves. It is consulting on these options to make sure its thinking is right.

There are as yet no preferred options at the Birmingham Mail.

Yes, the company wants to explore the idea of overnight, but stresses it's made no decisions and atm has no plans.

It's announced a much earlier stage of consultation, and genuinely needs to be told people's views.

That's readers, advertisers, newsagents, community leaders, councillors, MPs, emergency services, schools, hospitals, government agencies... anyone with an interest in the Birmingham Mail.

Without strong views, insight and local background knowledge, either arguing for a status quo 'live' newspaper or 'overnight' publishing, the company can only base it's decision on basic facts.

The issue is much bigger, of course... the Post is a historic title but has less than a fifth of the Mail's circulation and revenues.

Changes on the Birmingham Mail, if any are made, have to be so carefully thought through before any decision. There's so much more to lose, or gain.

And because it's so early in the process, not much has been shared about the financial benefits or competitive risks of an 'overnight' Birmingham Mail.

So, at the moment, most (but not all) opinions on the subject are simply that... gut feelings (some passionate) with little or no evidence.

In some ways, that is not a bad place to start.

As the process continues, consultation and analysis between management, staff, unions and outside organisations/individuals will reveal more and more about the upsides and downsides of a 'live' or 'overnight' paper.

But for now, it's the beginning when the company is looking for initial reactions to its announcement that it wants to explore the option. And it needs them quickly as part of it's 30-day initial consultation that started on Tuesday August 25.

So, to amplify:

Should the Birmingham Mail continue as a 'live' newspaper, completed on the morning and early afternoon of the same day it is printed and sold?

Or should it change to an 'overnight' strategy, where the paper is 'put to bed' the previous afternoon and evening, then on sale the next morning?

As said, little data on either option has yet been discussed, but suffice it to say that the 'overnight' option is substantially less costly, and would therefore assist the Midland company's return to profit.

But at what risk re. readers/competitors?

Comments posted here will be taken on board (along with those on the previous, unrelated blog).

But for direct input, or to ask for more detail, email ideas@trinitymirror.com

Thank you for reading.

You just couldn't make it up...

After a sunny break in Spain, I've returned to a legal tangle of immense proportions.

As blog readers will know, I also chair the Birmingham Mail Charity Trust, a fund of 100-years+ standing, raising money in the city and making grants to volunteer community groups.

Occasionally, we receive bequests in wills of those we have helped, (there was £10k from one such donor earlier this year).

Now we are one of 26 potential beneficiaries in a will that is set to benefit from the restitution of arts and music originally confiscated by the Nazis in 1939.

I kid you not!

Basically, what seems like a refugee from Germany in World War 2 came to Brum, was helped by many including the Mail's Trust, and left a huge chunk of his will to the charities in the 1980s.

It's now come to light that many fine pieces of art and music once owned by this chap have now been reclaimed from Germany, after they were originally confiscated by Hitler's government.

All this means the will is under reexamination, and beneficiaries are making legal claims over further potential shares.

Details have to remain sketchy for now, as there's a lot of legal work to do, a few disputed claims, and a lot of other charities involved.

But to whet your appetite, one piece of art involved alone may be valued at anything between $625,000 and $1,250,000!

What a story it will make when the whole thing is settled.

Fingers crossed for a good share of any such assets which the Trustees and I will ensure makes it to needy causes across Birmingham.