I was sorry to hear that Sarah Hartley has left her position as the head of online editorial at MEN Media. Sarah worked at the MEN from 2001 and was instrumental in creating the newspaper’s website in 2005. She also blogged at the popular The Mancunian Way along with Adrian Slatcher and Paul Robinson, the future of which is now uncertain. Sarah has become a familiar face within the digital industry both online and offline.
Like many people, I was surprised at the number of recent job losses at the MEN. I understand that if there’s no money in the pot, there’s no money.  Newspapers have been hit hard by the recession and also by the way in which people now access news online. I first read about the cuts on Twitter, not in a newspaper. But a number of areas of the newspaper have clearly suffered, presumably as a result of these cuts. Just what is going on with the South Manchester Reporter? I was reading a copy the other day from a few weeks back and spotted a number of errors in the first few pages. These were not small mistakes. They were glaring typos and omissions. Come on. Is this where traditional print media is going?
Read Sarah Hartley’s blog post on her leaving the MEN at. http://sarahhartley.wordpress.com/2009/05/01/its-goodbye-to-the-manchester-evening-news.
Read Louise Bolotin’s account of a recent NUJ meeting at Manchester Town Hall. http://louisebolotin.com/2009/03/28/local-news-local-action
Thanks so much
Thought I should just point out that I wasn’t made redundant – decision to leave very much mine. A tough decision to make after so long but made easier by a great new opportunity. Btw, I’ve followed your blog for some time now and enjoy. Thanks, Sarah
Ah, thank you for clearing that up Sarah. I have updated the post. And good luck in your new project.