Thursday, July 01, 2010
Telling people how it is
If the Taxpayers' Alliance have done anything with their latest campaign, they have illustrated how a Council newspaper, which is delivered correctly in terms of content and frequency can actually save public money, whilst enhancing the value taxpayers get from their local Council.
The organisation have carried out a survey of the cost of these newspapers, together with any benefits and savings they realise. It seems that there is some good practice that other Councils can learn from.
Amongst these are Swansea Council's Leader newspaper, which was depoliticised by the Liberal Democrat-led Council when they took charge in 2004. We also cut its frequency from monthly to bi-monthly and now save more than it costs through running most of our advertising in this newspaper.
We have ensured that the editorial has moved from the shameless promotion of individual cabinet members, as happened under Labour, to telling people what the Council is doing, and about new initiatives and events put on for the wider public.
Clearly, the regional media are upset because they are losing advertising revenue but the Council's main concern should be to get value for money and appropriate communication with its citizens.
The moral here is not that these newspapers need to be controlled or abolished but that they are done in such a way so as to add value to the Council's activities whilst also delivering efficiencies.
The organisation have carried out a survey of the cost of these newspapers, together with any benefits and savings they realise. It seems that there is some good practice that other Councils can learn from.
Amongst these are Swansea Council's Leader newspaper, which was depoliticised by the Liberal Democrat-led Council when they took charge in 2004. We also cut its frequency from monthly to bi-monthly and now save more than it costs through running most of our advertising in this newspaper.
We have ensured that the editorial has moved from the shameless promotion of individual cabinet members, as happened under Labour, to telling people what the Council is doing, and about new initiatives and events put on for the wider public.
Clearly, the regional media are upset because they are losing advertising revenue but the Council's main concern should be to get value for money and appropriate communication with its citizens.
The moral here is not that these newspapers need to be controlled or abolished but that they are done in such a way so as to add value to the Council's activities whilst also delivering efficiencies.
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"Amongst these are Swansea Council's Leader newspaper, which was depoliticised by the Liberal Democrat-led Council .
Perhaps the key word here is "Led" Swansea is a multi-party coalition.Have the Lib-Dems depoliticised the lcal "Pravda" where they are in sole control? Surelyy uo have some idea Peter?
Perhaps the key word here is "Led" Swansea is a multi-party coalition.Have the Lib-Dems depoliticised the lcal "Pravda" where they are in sole control? Surelyy uo have some idea Peter?
No Shambo, I am being serious. I only know about Swansea gkynbeddau, sorry. However the initiative came from the Lib Dems.
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