Friday, November 26, 2010

Newspaper business dead? Think again!

Like it or loathe it, you can't dispute the Daily Mail's success as a money-making venture.

Indeed, all those who suggest that the newspaper business is dead should reconsider when they scan the business's new figures.

The Mail is part of a media group, incidentally, which includes Welsh titles such as the South Wales Evening Post, Llanelli Star and Carmarthen Journal.

Effective Communication MD Alastair Milburn pinged me a story link today which revealed that the Daily Mail & General Trust (DMGT) had reported a 23% leap in annual profits.

A key factor was a record performance at its Daily Mail and Metro newspapers. One of those freesheets is seen regularly by South Wales commuters.

DMGT's underlying earnings rose from £201m to £247m in the year to October 3 following a bounce in ad revenues and growth in the business publishing divisions.

DMGT's UK consumer businesses achieved a sharp improvement in profitability as a result of cost cuts and growth in national ad revenues. Major advertisers increasing their marketing spend.

Yes, DMGT's regional newspaper wing, Northcliffe Media, saw advertising turnover fall 7% since the end of the fiscal year, with a lower local authority spend a major factor - but group success shows that newspapers can still be tremendously robust vehicles for wealth generation.

Businesses: Ignore newspapers as a marketing tool at your peril.

Thursday, November 25, 2010

DJs, bands, artists prepare for launch

Eight hours of innovative arts performance will take place as a Swansea cultural website is launched this weekend.

The free city centre festival on Saturday, from 3-11pm, will feature live music and DJs, theatre, comedy, spoken word and performance art.

It will mark the launch of not-for-profit resource Artawe (www.artawe.com). The South Wales Evening Post carried a strong page three story on it yesterday.

The venue is Tapestri, a new arts cafĂ© bar in Alexandra Road’s former central police station now redeveloped by Grwp Gwalia as arts and culture complex Llys Glas.

Artawe looks to have put together a lively day with lots of activities planned. It will give visitors an exclusive chance to experience what Tapestri is all about prior to its own launch next month.

Compered by DJ Stu Vox, the Artawe launch will allow visitors to meet artists and performers. Attractions include:

Big Draw Led by professional artist and printmaker Rosie Scribbler, this will see artists drawing to music. Rosie is a member of Swansea Print Workshop and has been involved in community art projects.

The Crunch Spoken word, poetry, prose and rants from Swansea’s twice-monthly evening at Mozarts.

Fernando Rey Band specialising in alternative pop/alternative country, adopting a mixture of great songs combined with an experimental approach. Harmonies, thoughtful lyrics and shoegazer sensitivity in a classic two guitar, bass and drums package.

Joan Jones Performance artist who sings, narrates and plays instruments.

MAD Swansea Music Art Dance (MAD) is a community interest company (CIC) which supports the arts and live music by providing opportunities and resources for local bands, musicians and artists.

Miles Lloyd and Simon Emmanuel South Wales comedy brought to Artawe by Garage at Monkey Bar, Swansea.

New Yohawks and AfterGlow Alternative punk.

ShellShock A Swansea theatre company who create original experiences which aim to entertain, confuse and question. ShellShock have performed in Swansea and Cardiff, created theatrical street games as far away as London and were invited to perform at the Bristol Old Vic and the Edinburgh Festival. ShellShock is run by Swansea performers Stephen Donnelly and Sian Stuttard.

Visual art Galleries invited include Elysium, The Shed and Oriel Bach.

David Williams Pianist.

Steve Woodman and John Ford Acoustic music.

Artawe’s website provides information on artists including a venue directory of Swansea galleries, music venues, theatres, arts cafes and bookshops.

Jonathan Powell, director of Artawe and the city centre Elysium Gallery, believes that Artawe is a vital resource for all creative people and organisations based in and working in Swansea.