John Hanscombe, editor of the Milton Ulladulla Times was the guest speaker at the monthly meeting of the Probus Club of Ulladulla and Districts on Friday, November 11.
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He was accompanied by Adam Wright, the digital editor.
John spoke to us about the place of a print newspaper such as The Times in a local community like Ulladulla as opposed to metropolitan newspapers which do not serve any direct community.
Stories about people and local issues affecting the community are important to the Times.
Today smartphones and Facebook play an important part in gathering news, but John was somewhat dismayed to find that not many members used these technologies.
The Times publishes a digital version which may be read on smartphones and pads.
The print version is formatted using templates designed by experts and each weekly publication cannot deviate from the layout of each page.
As a consequence stories and photographs are often reduced to fit the format.
John asked members for comment on how they found the paper. Members felt the paper should celebrate the achievements of local people, report on local events and town news.
Members also suggested that local events were often not adequately covered; the print size of the Community Diary section was too small; sponsors could not be mentioned in submitted articles; and online references were not appropriate.
John explained sponsor thankyou mentions and story ideas are always welcome in the Letters to the Editor section. Submissions can be made via john.hanscombe@fairfaxmedia.com.au
Some members raised community concerns which the paper seemed keen to follow - hospital parking, rubbish bins in public areas and parking across driveways.
John finished by inviting members to submit photographs for publication, write letters to the editor and he invited members to visit the office at 18 Wason Street anytime, but particularly at 11am each Wednesday morning for the Times NewsCafe.
He gave out cards for a 30 day free subscription to the Milton Ulladulla Times online which were gratefully received by many members.
Brian Powe thanked John Hanscombe for his interesting and informative talk and presented him with a thankyou gift from the Club.
Probus welcomes local retirees to join our ranks and enjoy friendship, fellowship and fun with us.
We have interesting speakers at all our meetings which are held on the second Friday of each month at the ExServos Club commencing at 9:45 am.
For further information contact 4457 3325.
