Geezers’ Newsletter (Southwestern Ontario’s foremost Geezer newsletter – or a lifestyle guide for Freeps and Press Club survivors) “Freedom of the press is not a property right of owners. It is a right of the people. It is part of their right to free expression, inseparable from the right to inform themselves. The Commission believes that the key problem posed by its terms of reference is the limitation of those rights by undue concentration of ownership and control of Canadian daily newspaper industry.” – Royal Commission on Newspapers, 1981 See what happens when I go away for a few days. Upon departure, our beloved Freeps rested comfortably in the hands of those caring and responsible separatists from Quebec, the Peladeau family, whose free-spending and generosity were the envy of all who read or worked at the paper. Circulation figures clearly demonstrated the enthusiasm with which Londoners embraced the Sun/Quebecor way of doing things. Staff morale was a ringing endorsement of the inspiring guidance from head office in Montreal. But, as the English say, may we live in interesting times. I returned to discover a changed newspaper landscape. If reports are to be believed, the Peladeaus are moving on and ever-popular Paul Godfrey is back. You remember Paul, the cost-cutting guy who used to run the Sun chain but is now with Postmedia, the Freeps new owner in waiting. Surely everyone has heard the news so a brief recap is all that is necessary: Quebecor has agreed to sell all its 175 English-language papers under the Sun Media banner to Postmedia for $316 million. In addition to the Freeps, other titles in Southwestern Ontario include the Brantford Expositor, Chatham Daily News, Sarnia Observer, Simcoe Reformer, St. Thomas Times-Journal, Stratford Beacon-Herald and Woodstock Sentinel-Review. Nationally, it means just about everybody else. Postmedia CEO Godfrey, the chap who has spearheaded a flurry of announcements aimed at cutting $120 million in spending over a three-year period at Postmedia and repaying $480 million in debt, says there will be no job losses. Har har har har. That from the guy whose cuts involved buyouts, outsourcing, elimination of publisher positions, closing of wire services, cutting some editions and centralizing page production for the whole chain in Hamilton – a massive transfer of editorial decision-making power outside each newspaper’s city. Come on Paul, let’s be honest about what lies ahead. Instead, Postmedia foresees savings between $6 million and $8 million from the amalgamated chains being able to streamline some operations. “But we have no plans to close anything,” Godfrey said. I am skeptical, partly because I heard a similar story first-hand when the Sun bought the Freeps but mainly because the numbers just don’t add up. Look at them. In April, Postmedia reported that its quarterly losses had grown by 60%. The company lost $25.3 million in that quarter compared to $15.8 million in the same period the previous year. Add to that the debt load assumed by the Quebecor purchase: a mix of $140 million in new debt, plus $186 million in new equity to be bought by Postmedia’s existing owners. Meanwhile, Quebecor lost $54.8 million in its second quarter. The $6 million to $8 million saving cited is peanuts. Postmedia has 2,800 employes and Sun Media about 2,400. If I was among them I would be worried. The deal must now be examined by the Competition Bureau. There lies the rub that should concern most people. If it goes through, Postmedia will control every major English-language newspaper that isn’t based in Toronto – Ottawa, Winnipeg, Calgary, Edmonton, Vancouver. Keith Davey and Tom Kent must be rolling in their graves, along with Mr. Blackburn. Concentration of ownership that was such a worry in the 1970s and 1980s no longer seems to inspire angst. Yet I can’t help remembering the question posed in Davey’s Senate Report on Mass Media: “How do you reconcile the media’s tendency toward monopoly with society’s need for diversity?” The committee was responding to concerns that “The three biggest newspaper chains – Thomson, Southam and F.P. – today control 44.7 per cent of the circulation of all Canadian newspapers; a dozen years ago, the total was only 25 per cent.” That was in 1970. Now we have one. The Davey report went on to observe that “control of the media is passing into fewer and fewer hands.” That led to the conclusion that “if the trend towards ownership concentration is allowed to continue unabated, sooner or later it must reach the point where it collides with the public interest.” No kidding. Even 44 years ago, the Davey committee recognized “there is something about the media that is turning people off.” A decade later, the Royal Commission on Newspapers headed by Tom Kent echoed the same warning, noting that three chains controlled nine-tenths of French-language papers and three other chains controlled two-thirds of English circulation. The commission’s prediction: “The years ahead will see more...” Those warnings weren’t heeded but they certainly were prescient. Not to worry, Godfrey assures. The enemy lurks outside Canada (in Facebook, Google, Yahoo and Twitter) and “in order to survive and compete against foreign-based digital business, we must be strong enough to fight and win.” He adds: “Collectively, this stable of strong brands can do just that. When the transaction is approved, we will be able to offer advertisers the opportunity to reach the full scale and scope of their target audiences with a Canadian option for their marketing programs.” Marketing, marketing, marketing. Then digital, digital, digital. It seems clear Postmedia’s goal is really the acquisition of digital properties, in particular canoe.ca as it builds its online network of websites. That makes sense. As Godfrey put it: “Digital audiences are unbelievably valuable to this strategic acquisition. Over time, our hope is that Canoe and all the other related websites may very well become the jewel of the deal.” It is becoming increasingly hard to deny that print media is a dying breed. What about the equally important question about editorial content, though? Notice that so far there has been no mention of news – how such a move will enhance quality, diversity, balance, credibility and integrity of editorial content. I fear that commitment is far far back on the burner. Postmedia’s record to date does not indicate otherwise. The most telling titbit in the whole affair is the price tag. Quebecor is taking a bath. The company paid $1-billion to buy the Sun chain in 1999. While one would like to smirk and say it looks good on the bounders, it is sadly another example of the declining value of newspapers. Tom Bird memorial on Saturday Don’t forget the memorial for Tom Bird on Saturday, Oct. 25. Visitors will be received at John T. Donohue Funeral Home, 362 Waterloo St. at King Street, from 2-4 and 7-9 o’clock, with words of remembrance at 3 and 8 o’clock. Donations to the Otolaryngology Department of London Health Sciences Foundation (LHSF.ca) and the Salvation Army would be appreciated. John Matsui pitching novel John Matsui writes: Thinking about going to WordsFest London this weekend? I’ll be on the mezzanine level of Covent Garden Market on Saturday, Oct. 25, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., pitching my first novel the paranormal crime thriller, Late Bite, soliciting support for the launch of my second thriller, Gravity Games, on Amazon’s new Kindle Scout new talent promo program starting Oct. 27. You can see a synopsis of the book and preview the first chapter between Oct. 27 and Nov. 25 at https://kindlescout.amazon/p/2RQFST262NWM1. If you do, and you feel the novel is worth supporting, please nominate Gravity Games. If you click on the link before Oct. 27, nothing will happen. Gravity Games has other Freeps connections. David Dauphinee is the editor and Jill Wilcox added the foodie elements. Changes at Western’s journalism school Graduates of Western’s journalism program might be interested in a letter forwarded by both Jim Etherington and Ken Bambrick. It comes from Tom Carmichael, dean of Western Faculty of Information and Media Studies, and outlines changes in the program. See the attachment. Jim writes: “This is an interesting shift in the Masters of Journalism program at Western. In effect, rather than a pure journalism program, the faculty is now offering a combined pottage of studies in journalism and ‘media communications’. This is mostly driven by the impact of social media and reduced attraction for a pure journalism study curriculum. The Masters program has become less attractive and enrolment has dropped to the high 30s from the former 50 students.” Ken asks: “If, as he (Carmichael) says, the grads are already working in all fields of communication, how do the ‘changes’ help and why are they necessary?” Good question. Letter Letter from Tom Carmichael, dean of Western’s Faculty of Media and Information Studies on changes to the program Dear James, Forty years ago, Western began a unique master’s degree -- a one-year program that has helped graduates shape journalism in Canada and internationally. Our graduates have also gone on to apply their skills and vision in communications, public relations, and other fields that have influenced the world. Were proud of that tradition and the contributions of our extraordinary alumni. As you know, the media landscape has changed radically in recent years, altering the career paths of todays journalism graduates and in turn, that has had an impact on the appeal of our current program. At Western, we see this as both a challenge and an opportunity. Todays journalists need more integrated media skills - the ability to look forward and see which new tools and digital platforms will help them tell their stories best. With the increasing influence public relations officials have on journalists, it’s also increasingly important for journalists to understand the role of communications. Conversely, professionals working in public relations, media relations and other communications fields need to understand how to incorporate the same media techniques in their work. More than ever, the fields of journalism and communications are interdependent. So we are redesigning our curriculum. Were creating a fused journalism and media communications skills program that will allow our grads to move among newsrooms, public sector, not-for-profit and corporate communications work, and emerging niches in a rapidly evolving media landscape. We believe this approach will help future grads to be nimble, adaptable and more successful in their future careers. We believe it will make for better journalists, better communicators, and an improved media environment. We have never shied away from adapting to changing circumstance and adopting new approaches, and we believe our redesigned curriculum is the best way to continue the Western tradition of great storytelling and excellence in journalism. We also hope that youll continue to support us in our mission to deliver excellent journalism and communication education. If you have questions about the new program, I invite you to visit our website where you can read a more detailed description. At this stage, external adjudicators have reviewed our redesigned curriculum as part of Westerns quality assurance process before proceeding to the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities for final approval. Our plan is to begin the new program in September 2015. Were excited about this new program, and we hope you will be too. If you have further questions, please feel free to write me, or the program coordinator, Mark Rayner. Sincerely, Tom Carmichael Dean, Faculty of Information & Media Studies Western University [email protected] Christmas get-together set for Dec. 6 It may be jumping the gun a bit but it never hurts to plan in advance. The Christmas gathering for former Press Clubbers, Freepers and anyone else who enjoys a party is set for Saturday, Dec. 6, at Chaucer’s on Carling Street in downtown London – 2 p.m. until whenever. Mark the date on your calendars. All welcome. Just label it an ad An advertisement by any other name is still an advertisement. So why is the Globe and Mail trying to fool us by labelling its paid advertising supplements “Information Features”? Just call them what they really are. Recommended website Fred Smith recommends a website, The Bad News About the News, that might be of interest to readers: brookings.edu/research/essays/2014/bad-news?utm_campaign=brookings-comm&utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&utm_content=14531644&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-9XWdJht4HwT9t5CiJVJJWo5u7Whs6YnzBjrTVzltVsCllJEhmgoXFkkN5cynlSFEolAbfXRElVCAqg0AAgtNQaBbbytjdf7ioqf-CFZibQw7f0NoI&_hsmi=14531644# Reminders Geezer Nation meets Thursday at the Ceeps at 2 p.m. to inhale personality enhancing fluids and to solve all the world’s problems. You don’t have to be old to attend. All are welcome. Those who can’t attend Geezer Thursdays because of other pressing engagements (a job perhaps) have a second opportunity to renew acquaintances with former Freeps or Press Club pals. A gang meets at Chaucer’s on Wednesdays at 5 p.m. Again, all are welcome. For Geezers who are also former employees of the Blackburn Group (retirees, quitees, buyoutees or firees), the next retirees’ breakfast is Nov. 5 at 8:30 a.m. or so at the Riverdale Family Restaurant at 360 Springbank Rd. As well, the Army, Navy, Air Force Club continues to invite former Press Club members to drop in for a drink at its new location at 38 Adelaide St. N. between Nelson Street and the river East Side, across from P.J.’s donuts. Sister O’Brien has established a Facebook page for former Press Club members to stay in touch. Check it out. It’s called London City Press Club Survivors. If you are a Facebook user, befriend the page. You can also look up past Geezers’ Newsletters there. News welcome If you know of any news (you know, gossip, dirt and unsavoury details about people we know) of interest to the Geezers (even a rant would be acceptable) please let me know so I can pass it on. Also if you know anyone who would like to receive the newsletter, pass along the email address. Copyright: Geezer Nation. All rights reserved. No part of this Newsletter may be reproduced or disseminated in any form without permission from Geezer Nation, except by a reviewer who may quote brief passages in exchange for libations at the Ceeps or equal value in cash. Christmas get-together set for Dec. 6 It may be jumping the gun a bit but it never hurts to plan in advance. The Christmas gathering for former Press Clubbers, Freepers and anyone else who enjoys a party is set for Saturday, Dec. 6, at Chaucer’s on Carling Street in downtown London – 2 p.m. until whenever. Mark the date on your calendars. All welcome. Just label it an ad An advertisement by any other name is still an advertisement. So why is the Globe and Mail trying to fool us by labelling its paid advertising supplements “Information Features”? Just call them what they really are. Recommended website Fred Smith recommends a website, The Bad News About the News, that might be of interest to readers: brookings.edu/research/essays/2014/bad-news?utm_campaign=brookings-comm&utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&utm_content=14531644&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-9XWdJht4HwT9t5CiJVJJWo5u7Whs6YnzBjrTVzltVsCllJEhmgoXFkkN5cynlSFEolAbfXRElVCAqg0AAgtNQaBbbytjdf7ioqf-CFZibQw7f0NoI&_hsmi=14531644# Reminders Geezer Nation meets Thursday at the Ceeps at 2 p.m. to inhale personality enhancing fluids and to solve all the world’s problems. You don’t have to be old to attend. All are welcome. Those who can’t attend Geezer Thursdays because of other pressing engagements (a job perhaps) have a second opportunity to renew acquaintances with former Freeps or Press Club pals. A gang meets at Chaucer’s on Wednesdays at 5 p.m. Again, all are welcome. For Geezers who are also former employees of the Blackburn Group (retirees, quitees, buyoutees or firees), the next retirees’ breakfast is Nov. 5 at 8:30 a.m. or so at the Riverdale Family Restaurant at 360 Springbank Rd. As well, the Army, Navy, Air Force Club continues to invite former Press Club members to drop in for a drink at its new location at 38 Adelaide St. N. between Nelson Street and the river East Side, across from P.J.’s donuts. Sister O’Brien has established a Facebook page for former Press Club members to stay in touch. Check it out. It’s called London City Press Club Survivors. If you are a Facebook user, befriend the page. You can also look up past Geezers’ Newsletters there. News welcome If you know of any news (you know, gossip, dirt and unsavoury details about people we know) of interest to the Geezers (even a rant would be acceptable) please let me know so I can pass it on. Also if you know anyone who would like to receive the newsletter, pass along the email address. Copyright: Geezer Nation. All rights reserved. No part of this Newsletter may be reproduced or disseminated in any form without permission from Geezer Nation, except by a reviewer who may quote brief passages in exchange for libations at the Ceeps or equal value in cash.
Posted on: Fri, 24 Oct 2014 16:17:17 +0000
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