Bob Cronis, Group Editor in Chief of Western Australian Newspapers penned an interesting perspective of the events of this week at News and Fairfax and reflected on some of the commentary since. He also chimed in on the issue of engaged proprietors. I share the link here as man newsagents on the eastern seaboard would not get to read content from The West Australian.
This is certainly a realsitic perspective. Actually it puts a harsh judgement on Fairfax and it’s board. Its’s already been said this week that the Fairfax board lacks connection to the real world of media and publishing. Perhaps the pundits are right.
Fairfax is headed up a path to nowhere and News Ltd. is pursuing a vision. I know which one I would hold shares in.
The only positive point for Fairfax is it’s history. It’s had more than one near death experience in the past and maybe this week is just another wobble.. before it straightens up again.
Either way Greg Hywood has certainly been outclassed by Kim Williams and the shareholders will certainly respond.
KMc, it’s a long game and we’re only in the early stages. While I agree Williams outclassed and manoeuvred Hywood this week, we will have to wait and see if there is much difference in substance between their moves.
Williams put on the best snake oil sales pitch i saw for sometime, kill off a few divisions and put my mug up close to the tv when I say a few jobs will, er well disappear.
All the while offer nothing to the people who sell the paper, no price rise, wonder what the shareholders think about that no extra revenue.
Hywood on the other gives newsagents a better deal in revenue and will take on news with a just the facts news and a tabloid size paper.
news ltd is stink!