The Courier's Changing Face

Angela Carey, General Manager of 'The Courier' challenged the perception that newspapers are a dying art in her presentation to the club on November 30th, 2011. "The world is changing, so are newspapers," was the concept reinterated by Angela throughout her talk.

The Fairfax Group of newspapers has developed a sound business strategy that embraces new and evolving technologies in delivering news and information. The BAllarat Courier, part of the Fairfax Group, is committed to delivering news when you want it, where you want it. The 35+ age range prefer a printed newspaper, while younger demographics prefer to access news via technology.

While there is a decline in circulation reader numbers are increasing via the world wide web, FaceBook, Twitter etc. Breaking news creates a spike in electronic hits as user log on to get the latest updates - two and a half million in November. The Courier is working on how to capitialize on these spikes.

The Courier sets the local agenda, and asks the hard questions on behalf of the community. Technology is allowing reader interaction with these stories as feed back and comments are quickly and efficiently returned on all such issues.

Watch out for iPhone and iPad apps that will allow for easier line of communication between reader and source.

Angela reminded us that, "what happens on the footy trip stays on - YouTube, Flickr, FaceBook, Twitter" and so on.