Comments on: The Fairfax business improvement program http://larvatusprodeo.net/2008/08/27/the-fairfax-business-improvement-program/ Blogging politics, culture, sociology and life from Brisvegas Thu, 18 Mar 2010 08:11:18 +0000 hourly 1 By: steve at the pub http://larvatusprodeo.net/2008/08/27/the-fairfax-business-improvement-program/comment-page-1/#comment-501944 steve at the pub Wed, 03 Sep 2008 15:38:42 +0000 http://larvatusprodeo.net/2008/08/27/the-fairfax-business-improvement-program/#comment-501944 The strife with Fairfax of course is, they ain't selling newspapers. Their business model needs, and is getting, a remedial adjustment. Nobody is reading the crap written by the Fairfax journalists, so they are dispensed with, what did they expect to happen? Instead of opinion, they could always try writing, you know, news. The strife with Fairfax of course is, they ain’t selling newspapers. Their business model needs, and is getting, a remedial adjustment.

Nobody is reading the crap written by the Fairfax journalists, so they are dispensed with, what did they expect to happen?

Instead of opinion, they could always try writing, you know, news.

]]> By: paul walter http://larvatusprodeo.net/2008/08/27/the-fairfax-business-improvement-program/comment-page-1/#comment-501938 paul walter Wed, 03 Sep 2008 15:06:40 +0000 http://larvatusprodeo.net/2008/08/27/the-fairfax-business-improvement-program/#comment-501938 Phil closed with a fortuitous comment concerning the role of the OZ media section, one of the few functional components of the GG's entire repertoir. From today's (3/9) update from Brad Norrington, comes a detailed update that focusses on Fairfax's reneging on an undertaking from executive Lloyd Whish-Wilson (try saying that while you're pissed!), concerning "no recriminations" involving " matters arising from the dispute". We then learn that: "Carlton's backpage spot on Saturday SMH was taken by columnist Miranda Devine". Is this a permanent fixture? Am told the term "scab" is an "old fashioned" term. Can any contributor offer a more accurate sumnation, as to this situation? Phil closed with a fortuitous comment concerning the role of the OZ media section, one of the few functional components of the GG’s entire repertoir.
From today’s (3/9) update from Brad Norrington, comes a detailed update that focusses on Fairfax’s reneging on an undertaking from executive Lloyd Whish-Wilson
(try saying that while you’re pissed!), concerning “no recriminations” involving ” matters arising from the dispute”.
We then learn that:
“Carlton’s backpage spot on Saturday SMH was taken by columnist Miranda Devine”.
Is this a permanent fixture?
Am told the term “scab” is an “old fashioned” term.
Can any contributor offer a more accurate sumnation, as to this situation?

]]> By: wbb http://larvatusprodeo.net/2008/08/27/the-fairfax-business-improvement-program/comment-page-1/#comment-499666 wbb Wed, 27 Aug 2008 13:44:45 +0000 http://larvatusprodeo.net/2008/08/27/the-fairfax-business-improvement-program/#comment-499666 Jobs get cut in all sorts of companies all the time - why is it that when it's a newspaper - it becomes big news. Jobs get cut in all sorts of companies all the time – why is it that when it’s a newspaper – it becomes big news.

]]> By: rebecca http://larvatusprodeo.net/2008/08/27/the-fairfax-business-improvement-program/comment-page-1/#comment-499653 rebecca Wed, 27 Aug 2008 12:10:05 +0000 http://larvatusprodeo.net/2008/08/27/the-fairfax-business-improvement-program/#comment-499653 While Fairfax journalists continue to produce some quality editorial, particularly The Age Communications Editor Matthew Ricketson, ahd The Fin's Neil Shoebridge, one wonders how the company has justified for this long the pay cheques of talentless 'blogumnists' such as Wotsername Hush at the SMH. More worrying is that someone (Sssshhh) is being allowed to populate potent centimetres with projectile neuro-spew week after week. Sssshhh is not the only culprit, mind, but as a walking cliche, is as good an example as any. I digress, however... I only hope it is the Kellies or Kristys or whatever who find themselves with spare time after this week, and that Fairfax's many fine scribes are rewarded with security of tenure and shiny new stationery. And perhaps a break from the mindless drivel that must pass between the cubicles of overpaid whiners... perhaps a bit of quiet is nigh. While Fairfax journalists continue to produce some quality editorial, particularly The Age Communications Editor Matthew Ricketson, ahd The Fin’s Neil Shoebridge, one wonders how the company has justified for this long the pay cheques of talentless ‘blogumnists’ such as Wotsername Hush at the SMH. More worrying is that someone (Sssshhh) is being allowed to populate potent centimetres with projectile neuro-spew week after week. Sssshhh is not the only culprit, mind, but as a walking cliche, is as good an example as any. I digress, however… I only hope it is the Kellies or Kristys or whatever who find themselves with spare time after this week, and that Fairfax’s many fine scribes are rewarded with security of tenure and shiny new stationery. And perhaps a break from the mindless drivel that must pass between the cubicles of overpaid whiners… perhaps a bit of quiet is nigh.

]]> By: Season Five of the Wire prepared me for this... http://larvatusprodeo.net/2008/08/27/the-fairfax-business-improvement-program/comment-page-1/#comment-499647 Season Five of the Wire prepared me for this... Wed, 27 Aug 2008 11:47:47 +0000 http://larvatusprodeo.net/2008/08/27/the-fairfax-business-improvement-program/#comment-499647 We need an Aussie Scott Templeton. We need an Aussie Scott Templeton.

]]> By: adrian http://larvatusprodeo.net/2008/08/27/the-fairfax-business-improvement-program/comment-page-1/#comment-499640 adrian Wed, 27 Aug 2008 11:15:02 +0000 http://larvatusprodeo.net/2008/08/27/the-fairfax-business-improvement-program/#comment-499640 They could probably employ about half a dozen actual journalists for the money that they pay those propaganda machines. They could probably employ about half a dozen actual journalists for the money that they pay those propaganda machines.

]]> By: Chookie http://larvatusprodeo.net/2008/08/27/the-fairfax-business-improvement-program/comment-page-1/#comment-499638 Chookie Wed, 27 Aug 2008 11:03:57 +0000 http://larvatusprodeo.net/2008/08/27/the-fairfax-business-improvement-program/#comment-499638 I cannot imagine I will notice the absence of the sub-editors; I don't think anyone's been checking the grammar for a couple of years at least, so I suppose I'll just see more typos. If the Poms can put up with the Graun, I'm sure I can survive the Synney Morgin Harold. I suppose it's unlikely that they'll dispose of Gerard Henderson or Miranda Devine? she says hopefully. I cannot imagine I will notice the absence of the sub-editors; I don’t think anyone’s been checking the grammar for a couple of years at least, so I suppose I’ll just see more typos. If the Poms can put up with the Graun, I’m sure I can survive the Synney Morgin Harold. I suppose it’s unlikely that they’ll dispose of Gerard Henderson or Miranda Devine? she says hopefully.

]]> By: Anthony http://larvatusprodeo.net/2008/08/27/the-fairfax-business-improvement-program/comment-page-1/#comment-499627 Anthony Wed, 27 Aug 2008 10:11:34 +0000 http://larvatusprodeo.net/2008/08/27/the-fairfax-business-improvement-program/#comment-499627 "I’d like to see less pages and better content" It's obviously not just newspapers who are now facing a dearth of sub-editors, as per Terry. I'd like to see FEWER pages and better content “I’d like to see less pages and better content”

It’s obviously not just newspapers who are now facing a dearth of sub-editors, as per Terry.

I’d like to see FEWER pages and better content

]]> By: joe2 http://larvatusprodeo.net/2008/08/27/the-fairfax-business-improvement-program/comment-page-1/#comment-499605 joe2 Wed, 27 Aug 2008 08:13:21 +0000 http://larvatusprodeo.net/2008/08/27/the-fairfax-business-improvement-program/#comment-499605 Spose there is that, Mr Denmore. Journalists have obviously been an endangered species for quite some time. Get rid of those middle people. Do not tear up... just watch that advertising. So satisfying for the deeply fried brain. Spose there is that, Mr Denmore.

Journalists have obviously been an endangered species for quite some time.
Get rid of those middle people.

Do not tear up… just watch that advertising.
So satisfying for the deeply fried brain.

]]> By: Mr Denmore http://larvatusprodeo.net/2008/08/27/the-fairfax-business-improvement-program/comment-page-1/#comment-499600 Mr Denmore Wed, 27 Aug 2008 07:50:58 +0000 http://larvatusprodeo.net/2008/08/27/the-fairfax-business-improvement-program/#comment-499600 80 pct of newspaper revenues come from ads. The bulk of these have now moved online and have separated from the journalism they formerly cross-subsidised. You go to seek.com.au because you're looking for a job. The ads have utility in themselves. The days of journos plying their trade in large media companies are drawing to a close - just as musicians are separating from record companies. There's no point getting misty-eyed about it. 80 pct of newspaper revenues come from ads. The bulk of these have now moved online and have separated from the journalism they formerly cross-subsidised. You go to seek.com.au because you’re looking for a job. The ads have utility in themselves.

The days of journos plying their trade in large media companies are drawing to a close – just as musicians are separating from record companies.

There’s no point getting misty-eyed about it.

]]> By: joe2 http://larvatusprodeo.net/2008/08/27/the-fairfax-business-improvement-program/comment-page-1/#comment-499597 joe2 Wed, 27 Aug 2008 07:23:14 +0000 http://larvatusprodeo.net/2008/08/27/the-fairfax-business-improvement-program/#comment-499597 "It’s no secret that Jaspan was terribly disliked by the Age journos. What’s the next installment going to be?" His main problem seems to have been with overiding Sydney Fairfax management team, from what I gathered, Fine. “It’s no secret that Jaspan was terribly disliked by the Age journos. What’s the next installment going to be?”

His main problem seems to have been with overiding Sydney Fairfax management team, from what I gathered, Fine.

]]> By: Graham http://larvatusprodeo.net/2008/08/27/the-fairfax-business-improvement-program/comment-page-1/#comment-499589 Graham Wed, 27 Aug 2008 06:41:08 +0000 http://larvatusprodeo.net/2008/08/27/the-fairfax-business-improvement-program/#comment-499589 I like the Age, have a subscription and read it every day. Also have a cheap sub to The Australian through uni and pick it up from the newsagent, but increasingly, I don't bother as it has become so awful. I'm sad to see the cost cutting and editorial sackings, but I wonder if there are better ways to produce a newspaper, with less content but better quality. Thjere is so much of thr Age that goes unread, and often it isn't just there to attract expensive advertising. I'll like to see less pages and better content. I like the Age, have a subscription and read it every day. Also have a cheap sub to The Australian through uni and pick it up from the newsagent, but increasingly, I don’t bother as it has become so awful.

I’m sad to see the cost cutting and editorial sackings, but I wonder if there are better ways to produce a newspaper, with less content but better quality. Thjere is so much of thr Age that goes unread, and often it isn’t just there to attract expensive advertising.

I’ll like to see less pages and better content.

]]> By: nic t http://larvatusprodeo.net/2008/08/27/the-fairfax-business-improvement-program/comment-page-1/#comment-499550 nic t Wed, 27 Aug 2008 04:23:35 +0000 http://larvatusprodeo.net/2008/08/27/the-fairfax-business-improvement-program/#comment-499550 they're distributing free copies of 'the advertiser' outside the cafe of the uni I work at they’re distributing free copies of ‘the advertiser’ outside the cafe of the uni I work at

]]> By: Fine http://larvatusprodeo.net/2008/08/27/the-fairfax-business-improvement-program/comment-page-1/#comment-499539 Fine Wed, 27 Aug 2008 03:11:45 +0000 http://larvatusprodeo.net/2008/08/27/the-fairfax-business-improvement-program/#comment-499539 It's no secret that Jaspan was terribly disliked by the Age journos. What's the next installment going to be? It’s no secret that Jaspan was terribly disliked by the Age journos. What’s the next installment going to be?

]]> By: FDB http://larvatusprodeo.net/2008/08/27/the-fairfax-business-improvement-program/comment-page-1/#comment-499522 FDB Wed, 27 Aug 2008 02:05:44 +0000 http://larvatusprodeo.net/2008/08/27/the-fairfax-business-improvement-program/#comment-499522 *ahem* *ahem*

]]> By: MUA: Here To Stay! http://larvatusprodeo.net/2008/08/27/the-fairfax-business-improvement-program/comment-page-1/#comment-499520 MUA: Here To Stay! Wed, 27 Aug 2008 02:04:56 +0000 http://larvatusprodeo.net/2008/08/27/the-fairfax-business-improvement-program/#comment-499520 YAY!!! YAY!!!

]]> By: joe2 http://larvatusprodeo.net/2008/08/27/the-fairfax-business-improvement-program/comment-page-1/#comment-499518 joe2 Wed, 27 Aug 2008 02:00:53 +0000 http://larvatusprodeo.net/2008/08/27/the-fairfax-business-improvement-program/#comment-499518 In breaking news......... Andrew Jaspan, Editor in chief of The Age, has been the first victim. In breaking news………
Andrew Jaspan, Editor in chief of The Age, has been the first victim.

]]> By: Darryl Rosin http://larvatusprodeo.net/2008/08/27/the-fairfax-business-improvement-program/comment-page-1/#comment-499509 Darryl Rosin Wed, 27 Aug 2008 01:22:51 +0000 http://larvatusprodeo.net/2008/08/27/the-fairfax-business-improvement-program/#comment-499509 Not always true, but true enough for a very long time. :^) Let me ask a question. There seems to be an implication that it would be a bad thing if "the standalone newspaper" went away. Why? I really have trouble buying this 'newspaper as a community and public service' idea. A newspaper is just a device to display advertising, which is, I suppose, a public service, but somehow I don't think that's what Phil meant. d Not always true, but true enough for a very long time. :^)

Let me ask a question. There seems to be an implication that it would be a bad thing if “the standalone newspaper” went away. Why?

I really have trouble buying this ‘newspaper as a community and public service’ idea. A newspaper is just a device to display advertising, which is, I suppose, a public service, but somehow I don’t think that’s what Phil meant.

d

]]> By: Spiros http://larvatusprodeo.net/2008/08/27/the-fairfax-business-improvement-program/comment-page-1/#comment-499506 Spiros Wed, 27 Aug 2008 01:09:20 +0000 http://larvatusprodeo.net/2008/08/27/the-fairfax-business-improvement-program/#comment-499506 "Isn’t the real problem that no-one want to pay to read the news?" That's always been true, but partially offset by people paying for classified ads. Now they are going online. And the costs of producing the content, and printing and distributing the paper itself keep going up. “Isn’t the real problem that no-one want to pay to read the news?”

That’s always been true, but partially offset by people paying for classified ads. Now they are going online. And the costs of producing the content, and printing and distributing the paper itself keep going up.

]]> By: Darryl Rosin http://larvatusprodeo.net/2008/08/27/the-fairfax-business-improvement-program/comment-page-1/#comment-499504 Darryl Rosin Wed, 27 Aug 2008 01:03:42 +0000 http://larvatusprodeo.net/2008/08/27/the-fairfax-business-improvement-program/#comment-499504 Isn't the real problem that no-one want to pay to read the news? I certainly don't - I can't see the point, when I can listen to the radio or look on the intynet. Buy a wad of paper and ink that'll go into the waste stream within a few hours? No thanks. Sometimes I'll get one if I'm taking a bus or plane trip so I can do a sudoku, but that's about it. d Isn’t the real problem that no-one want to pay to read the news? I certainly don’t – I can’t see the point, when I can listen to the radio or look on the intynet. Buy a wad of paper and ink that’ll go into the waste stream within a few hours? No thanks. Sometimes I’ll get one if I’m taking a bus or plane trip so I can do a sudoku, but that’s about it.

d

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