Media Flash And Australian Media Job Directory

Monday, November 27, 2000

With Flash Updates at www.mediaflash.com.au

E-Mail: mediaflash@yahoo.com J Phone/Fax: 1-800 231 311

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Flash Points

a.. INSIDE MELBOURNE DRAMA: Craig Marsh's Copycat Closes

b.. MEDIA FLASHBACKS: The Day Craig Told Ash - 'Stay Well Clear Of Me'

c.. WIN-TV'S UNIVERSITY DEAL: Step Ahead In Internet Broadcasting

d.. SHOWDOWN IN THE WEST: Newsmen Slug It Out At Press Council

e.. PAUL LYNEHAM: Top Canberra Journalist Dies

f.. OUTRAGE OVER OUTRAGE: Gay Community Icon Closes

Regular Features

a.. YOUR ABC: McCrossin's Own Talk Show

b.. AIR WAVES: Phillip Clark Moves To 2GB

c.. MOVERS AND SHAKERS: Changes At Fairfax

d.. PASQUARELLI'S POLITICS: Watch Out For The Redhead

e.. THE TREWISTLE FILES: Milton's New Inventions For Advertisers

f.. AUSTRALIAN MEDIA JOB DIRECTORY: Your New Career May Be Here

Join Our Growing List Of Advertisers

a.. E-MITCH: Online Media Independent

b.. P3TV: What Are You Paying For Your TV Production?

c.. ERIC SHACKLE: Freelance Stories Available

d.. ALISON GRAHAME: Effective Words

e.. THE MATURE AUSTRALIAN: Advertising Discount to Media Flash Subscribers

f.. JOHN PASQUARELLI: Would You Believe What He Collects?

g.. DESIGN GRAPHICS: DG Expands, So There's Three New Jobs

h.. COURIER NEWSPAPERS: Unzip Sydney's Money Belt

i.. VOODOO SOFTWARE: So You're Sick Of Software

j.. BYRON SHIRE ECHO: 'Australia's Most Sophisticated Market'

k.. FAIRFAX COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS (VIC.): 20 Vibrant Melb. Newspapers

l.. FAST BOOKS: Getting Started

m.. FORMAT: Monthly Newsletter For Publishers of Formatted Publications

n.. JOB DIRECTORY: Take Your Choice Of Australian Media Jobs

o.. NEWS LIMITED SUBURBANS: More Than 90 Titles Around Australia

p.. PRESSPASS: Now There's A Way To Get The Information You Want

q.. Quadrant MAGAZINE - Australia's Leading Independent Review of Controversy

r.. SUBS PLUS - Subscriptions: Save Money and Grow

To advertise in Media Flash, e-mail your ad by 5pm Friday. $110 for 200 words.

Fax: 1-800 231 311. Or E-Mail: mediaflash@yahoo.com

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And Only In: Media Flash Confidential

The Subscriber-Only Confidential Newsletter, E-Mailed Direct To You.

Annual Subscriptions Are Just $50 (That's Less Than $1 A Week).

Subscribe Online at: www.mediaflash.candela.com.au and you'll discover:

a.. INSIDE THE 'INSIDE MELBOURNE' CLOSURE: What Really Caused The Collapse

b.. UNREST AT EASTERN FM: Bitter Disputes At Melb. Community Station

c.. $15 MILLION 'MISSING' AT MEDIA COMPANY: Creditors Are Circling

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BREAKING NEWS

'Inside Melbourne' Shuts

* CRAIG MARSH'S Melbourne Weekly-lookalike, Inside Melbourne, closed its doors on Thursday. All staff have been retrenched. The last edition, with a reputed 110,000-circulation, was scheduled to be distributed yesterday (Sunday). Owners, JC DECAUX, headed by MD ANGELA B. CLARKE, reportedly attempted a last-minute 'fire sale' of the title to News and Fairfax to no avail. The project is estimated to have lost $5 million over nearly three years. The closure came as Melbourne Weekly Magazine celebrated its eighth anniversary with a 148-page issue, printed at MICHAEL HANNAN'S Hannanprint and distributed by Salmat.

* Inside Melbourne languished as ROY MORGAN readership figures repeatedly showed IM at half of those of the Melbourne Weekly Magazine, managed by ANTHONY McDONALD. McDonald's team includes Editor NEIL SPARK, Production Editor RICHARD CONRAD, Art Director DEBORAH PITMAN, Sales Manager JOHN IOANNOU, Business Development Manager DARREN ANDERSON, Real Estate Manager DEBRA CRACKNELL, and Production Manager DUNCAN WADE. The crowded inner-suburban wealth-belt market also includes GENE SWINSTEAD'S U Magazine inserted in Leader newspapers; SHANE HIGGS' and GLEN ROHAN'S Metro News; BRIAN STAGMAN'S Melbourne Times; and STEVE HARRIS'S (Age) Melbourne Property Guide.

* MARSH, former Melbourne Weekly General Manager for ERIC BEECHER'S Text Media, left TMW under a cloud (see Media Flash, Mar. 27, 2000). MANIKA NAIDOO of The Age reported that Melbourne Magistrates' Court was told that Marsh, in 1996, had 'fraudulently accepted thousands of dollars worth of products from advertisers in lieu of payment for advertising space'. Marsh pleaded guilty to counts of 'obtaining property by deception, and one count each of obtaining financial advantage by deception and making a false document'.

Weekly Losses of $40,000

* CAROLINE KELLY edited Inside Melbourne since its first issue on February 2, 1998, under the ownership of Pearl & Dean, a subsidiary of the Havas Media Group. P had been partners with Text Media in Melbourne's City Weekly, now published by BRIAN STAGMAN of APN News & Media. Weekly losses of $40,000 were denied by MARSH, when quizzed by Media Flash earlier this year. He instead was gung ho about IM, citing a vision to acquire other publications which he would 're-energise with our formula'.

* CRAIG MARSH warned Media Flash to 'stay well clear of me' after it reported on the paper's woes in April. There was no chance of getting close on Friday when the paper's telephone switchboard only had an answering machine message voiced by a young woman: "Inside Melbourne has closed down, effective Friday, November 24. Our last issue will be distributed on Sunday, November 26. If you have a question, please leave a message after the beep or you can send a fax through on 9421 0960."

* FLASHBACK FILE: www.mediaflash.au.com/april_3,_2000.htm

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WIN-TV Signs With University

* BRUCE GORDON, WIN-TV Chairman, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with PROFESSOR GERARD SUTTON of the University of Wollongong to collaborate on the research of digital media. Of particular interest is the creation, management and deployment of new communications technology. The research will explore the development of digital TV, develop new Internet environments, look at ways to deploy news media to support education in regional Australia, and spread the University's teaching programs.

'Keep Media Buying Independent'

* CAMERON KNIGHT, XS-Media MD, says media buyers using online transaction portals such as that announced by the Ten Network's GRANT BLACKLEY, still need credibility and the assurance of true independence. "Buyers are indicating they seek total freedom of choice in media selection. They may not feel comfortable dealing with portals which have strong ownership links to specific media. XS-Media is receiving keen interest from all sectors of the media community seeking a neutral tranaction platform. XS-Media is here now and ready to go - and more importantly, we are acknowledged as a complete stand alone and unbiased platform, with no barriers to entry for all participants.'

Paul Lyneham Dies

* PAUL LYNEHAM, political journalist, 55, died on Friday afternoon, after a seven-month battle with lung cancer. He started his career with a cadetship at The Canberra Times and The Australian, later working with the ABC on Four Corners, the Seven Network, then back at the ABC on The 7.30 Report. Lyneham was signed to the Nine Network in 1995, working on Today, A Current Affair and the Super Debates. Lyneham told 60 Minutes viewers, in April, that he had cancer. He is survived by wife, writer DOROTHY HORSFIELD, and children CHLOE, JOEL and MATHEW.

Way Out West

* BRET CHRISTIAN, Editor-Owner of the Mosman Park-Cottesloe Post (WA), has been slogging it out at the Australian Press Council with PETER JEANES, Editorial Manager at The West Australian. The Press Council has upheld a complaint against The Post, 'although the breach was by no means flagrant'. Mr Jeanes complained over a lack of balance in the paper's report over his application to build a house in John Street, Cottlesloe. Mr Christian is one of the protesters against the new house. 'The paper had in previous weeks and even earlier covered both sides of the argument extensively in reports and letters ... the question of editorial balance over the short or long term is a vexed one, and in this case the Council cannot see any harm was done by a short-term lack of balance.'

* PETER JEANES is an alternate member of the Press Council, nominated by The West Australian. "As is the case in all matters involving a personal or professional interest of a member, he took no part in the debate or vote on the matter," the APC notes.

Not So Gay News

* MARTIN DE COURTENAY, Editor of Sydney's Capital Q Weekly, carried a small notice this past week: 'Satellite Media Pty Ltd wishes to advise that it will cease publication of national gay and lesbian title Outrage for the forseeable future in order to focus its energies on its current titles and new print projects.'

* GREG GAHL, MD, made the announcement. Outrage was first published during April 1983. Before than it was called Gay Community News, published by the Gay Publications Co-Operative. MARK BORCHETT, Directories Manager, said: "I think it's quite sad to see Outrage come to an end. It has been an institution within the gay and lesbian community for the past 17 years and a part of my life for the past five years. Through the years, Outrage had some tough times and with a new editor as of the November issue, Outrage was finally heading in a direction that had previously never been contemplated."

Foxtel Changes Channels

* DIANA O'NEIL, ACP Publisher of the monthly Foxtel Magazine, announces channel changes from December 2. New channels include Music Max, Showtime 2 (showing Showtime's movies two hours later), and Fox Classics. CNN Asia becomes CNN Australia, with a greater Aussie influence. The History Channel will now be 24/7. FX re-launches itself as Australia's first TV channel for women.

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Fairfax Community Newspapers

Victorian Head Office: 142-144 Frankston-Dandenong Road, Dandenong, 3175.

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Sydney Siders

* JEFF CORBETT'S by-lined Newcastle Herald opinion column criticising teachers brought a complaint to the Australian Press Council by local principal JOHN WAKLEY. The schoolman complained about the column for generalising. The newspaper published two letters critical of the column, and offered Wakley space either in the letters columns or as a by-lined article, who said the appearance of his name might be wrongly taken as a criticism on behalf of his school community. "The Press Council discourages anonymity in press debate on matters of public interest."

* VIVIAN SCHENKER, SBS Insight presenter, will become Radio National's breakfast program host. She takes over PHILLIP ADAMS' Late Night Live over the summer holidays, then takes over PETER GEORGE'S breakfast job on January 29.

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Quadrant

In November's Quadrant magazine: Keith Windschuttle continues his exposure of the falsification of numbers of Aborigines killed in the few frontier massacres of Aborigines - Doug Meagher QC and David Bennett QC on the meaning of the Cubillo-Gunner case on non-stolen children - Ken Maddock on why the anthropologists never wrote about "stolen generations" or "genocide" before it was fashionable (they didn't see much of it happening) - Gray Connolly criticises Bill Hayden on Interfet in East Timor - Gary Catalano on Bernard O'Dowd - and new poetry. Quadrant is not a journal of record for the establishment but, rather, a journal which is devoted to making the establishment - the new establishment of this present confused age - accountable. - Jeff Shaw QC, former NSW Attorney General. Quadrant is prepared to buck the newest fads and is not at all afraid to point out, when appropriate, that the new would-be rulers of intellectual fashion have garments not of brocades and silks, but of sackcloth. - former Governor General Bill Hayden. Quadrant Magazine - Australia's leading independent review of controversy, ideas, literature, poetry and the arts. Ten issues a year, $59.40 (inc. GST), US$80 overseas. PO Box 82, Balmain, Sydney 2041, Australia. Telephone (02) 98181155; fax (02) 98181422. Email quadrantmonthly@ozemail.com.au . Editor P.P.McGuinness; literary editor Les Murray.

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Melbourne Memo

* BRUCE GUTHRIE, former Age Editor and now at Who Weekly, offered comment about the broadsheet's production difficulties, when asked by 3AK drive presenter DOUG AITON on Thursday. Age management had not made themselves available for the radio program, Aiton told listeners. Was that a hint of smugness in Guthrie's commentary, comparing sales figures in his editorship, compared to those of incumbent STEVE HARRIS?

* NIGEL HENHAM, Age Director of Communications, advises a further meeting between the company and unions is scheduled for 11am today (Monday, November 27). The Federal Court has granted an injunction, extended until 4pm Wednesday, ordering action interfering with the company's commercial operations to cease immediately.

* CLAIRE HAUGH is taking bookings for the Advertising Club of Victoria Christmas Lunch, to be held on Thursday, December 14, at Crown Towers, and afterwards at Heat Nightclub. Bookings: (03) 9525 2344.

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Does Someone Forward Media Flash to You? Get your own, free copy first thing every Monday morning: send your name, company name, title and email address to: mediaflash@yahoo.com

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West Wire

* MARK POWNALL has joined WA Business News as News Editor. During the past three years he has worked on the Business Desk at The West Australian.

* JOE POPRZECZNY of WA Business News examined the circulation struggles of local papers: "In1997 when The (Sunday) Times was a black-and-white from the FJ Holden era it regularly exceeded 350,000. Now, three years and 80,000 (extra) West Aussies on, and $70 million color presses, management boasts sales are 343,692." He said free Sunday Times copies are being offered for those who subscribe to The Australian. Times Editor DAVID MAGUIRE'S circulation boasts have been attacked by West Australian Editor BRIAN ROGERS in Mediaweek: "News Ltd has spent a hell of a lot promoting The Sunday Times but it just held its circulation in the last audit. It gained 26 copies."

South Aussie Snips

* ADELAIDE'S may have 'seven new radio services' under the Draft Licence Area Plan, canvassed in this month's Australian Broadcasting Authority Update. 'The ABA is proposing to increase the power of the existing FM commercial radio services (5ADD, 5MMM and 5SSA) from 16kW to 20kW. Three local coverage community services are planned for the Adelaide Foothills, Barossa Valley and Port Adelaide regions. Two new AM open narrowcasting services are planned for the SA capital, as well as a new FM open narrowcasting service in the Barossa Valley. Closing date for comments of the draft is 5pm, December 8.

* RICHARD LOWER, former ABC-type, has started as National Nine News Director in Adelaide, ready for a pitched battle against Seven Nightly News. JOHN DOHERTY has taken over as State Director for ABC, SA.

Queensland Quips

* JOHN COWLEY'S Courier-Mail is using a TV campaign to promote Weekend Shopper classifieds, in an assault to win traditional Trading Post advertisers.

* GAVIN LAUMAN, Editor of the Caboolture Shire Herald and Pine Rivers Press (Quest), is encouraging contributors to lodge news, sports, letters, business reports, entertainment gossip and schools news by E-mail. Readers' photos, by JPEG format, 10cm x 15cm, at 150 pixels per inch, are invited, in a front-page promotion.

* STEVE ZEPPA, Editor of the Wynnum Herald (Quest), carries an ad for its readers to dial a 1-902 number to receive a personalised letter from Santa. The Quest - News Ltd promotion carries a cost of $4.40.

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This Week In Byron Bay

* BYRON BAY FOLLIES: Bangalow Show turns it on; Mayor blames weather for EPA charge; PETRIA THOMAS to be guest of honour at Council; 600 turn out for Pocket School centenary; MUNGO MacCALLUM asks when is a surplus not a surplus? (A: When it's a slush fund); LARRY ANTHONY MP presents awards for outstanding community service; EDWARD HERRING tracks down a bug in Council. THE BYRON SHIRE ECHO is an independent locally-owned free weekly covering Australia's most sophisticated rural market.

Check it out on www.echo.net.au. Advertising enquiries to geoff@echo.net.au or ring (02) 6684 1777.

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Press Gang

* SAM TANNOUS, Editor of Ad News, has announced the Media Rep Awards, co-sponsored with Starcom.

* SALES DIRECTOR. Winner: ANTHONY FITZGERALD, Network Director of Sales, Seven NSW. Finalists: GRANT BLACKLEY, National Sales Manager, TEN NSW. PAUL WALDREN, Sales Director, Media Sales Network (Vic.)

* TELEVISION. Winner: ELISE TAYLOR, Sales Executive, Seven NSW. Finalists: ANDREW MULREADY, Group Sales Manager, TEN NSW. KAREN BOWLER, Senior Sales Executive, Seven NSW.

* ENCOURAGEMENT. Winner: JASON JENKINS, Sydney Sales Manager, PTSA, NSW. Finalists: TRUDIE BATEUP, Account Manager, ACP NSW. ANDREW EASTON, Account Manager, PTSA NSW.

* RADIO. Winner: PETER WYLES, Agency Account Manager, Regional Radio Bureau (Vic.). Finalists: ANGELA WRIGHT, Agency Sales Executive, 2UE. GEOFF BROWNE, Account Manager, Regional Radio Bureau (Qld).

* NEWSPAPERS. Winner: KYLIE FLETCHER, Group Sales Manager, Queensland Newspapers. Finalists: JOHN DROULERS, National Account Executive, Presspak NSW. MIKE BARTLETT, Advertising Executive, Daily & Sunday Telegraph NSW.

* MAGAZINES. Winner: JENNI WORKMAN, Senior Account Manager, Woman's Day NSW. Finalists: BRONWYN MARTENS, Senior Account Manager, Who Weekly. LAINIE BRACHER, NSW Advertising Manager, Cleo Magazine.

* CINEMA. Winner: MICHAEL HILL, national Film Executive, Val Morgan SA. Finalists: STEPHEN KEENS, National Film Executive, Val Morgan NSW. SHELLEY BRACKLEY, National Film Executive, Val Morgan NSW.

* 'OUT OF HOME'. Winner: KEVIN NOONAN, Account Manager, Adshel NSW. Finalists: BILL ATHANASSIOU, Group Sales Manager, JC Decaux, NSW. ANTHONY MOGENSEN, Account Executive, Outdoor Network NSW.

* ONLINE. Winner: JO LEY, Senior Sales Manager, BMC Media NSW. Finalists: PEITA HAUSER, Senior Account Manager, Real Media NSW. FIONA LYONS, Agency Media Executive, Yahoo NSW.

* SPECIALIST PRESS: Winner: ALAN MITCHELL, Account Manager, Rural Press NSW. Finalist: BARRY BROWNE, Service Station Australia.

PR Department

* YVONNE LAWRENCE, 3AK Melbourne radio lifestyle host, has her quote used by Information Australia publicist BEV FRIEND, to promote YOLAND LIM'S Your Body Is Your Doctor book. The Chinese physician's updated edition promotes 'Tao' healing and teaching. FRIEND is also promoting The Women's Club, a $38.50 book by DIANA WILLIAMS with LOWELL TARLING. Williams started the Fernwood Female Fitness Centre chain: "I was very lucky in business. And the harder I worked the luckier I got."

* FIONA HORNE continues her national roadshow to promote Life's A Witch, being promoted by BENYTHON OLDFIELD at Random House Publicity. The itinerary includes Adelaide (Dec. 1), Perth (Dec. 2), Melbourne (Dec. 8-10).

* JAYNE ASHBROOK of Brodeur Worldwide is organising MARCOS FERNANDES to launch Schlumberger's New Smart Card SIM Card - with Java - bringing new levels of freedom for mobile phone subscribers. CDMA subscribers travelling to countries using different newtorks can access a new network. The launch will take place at Sydney's Quay Grand Hotel at 10am on Wednesday (Nov. 29).

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Air Waves

* PHILIP CLARK, ABC702's breakfast host, moves to Sydney's 2GB in the New Year. GRAHAM RICHARDSON moves to Drive, under changes orchestrated by News Director CHRIS SMITH.

* PROFESSOR DAVID FLINT'S Australian Broadcasting Authority is being restricted by Federal Court order in allocating a commercial radio licence in Gosford (NSW). The case will be heard in March.

* CLARK HANSEN, former ABC Victoria staffer, was heard on 3AK on Friday, standing in for two weeks, for sports presenter IAN MAJOR.

* NARRABRI SHIRE COMMUNITY RADIO INC. has won a community radio licence, to operate a service on the 91.3 MHz FM band. The other applicant in June 1999 was Kaputar FM. It was dissolved and absorbed within NSCR.

* TALK AUSTRALIA is off the air. Its presenters included LARRY EDMUR and LOCHIE DADDO. The October 30 Media Flash commented: "From what we heard it won't have many listeners. An on-air shocker."

TV Guide

* DEBORAH HUTTON is hosting three Australian Women's Weekly-branded TV Christmas specials starting this Wednesday night on the Nine Network. AWW Marketing Manager SANDY MAYO has organised the the Aussie-style specials featuring MIKE MUNRO, CATRIONA ROWNTREE, GINA JEFFRIES and PAUL MERCURIO.

* DAVID ASPINALL'S Seven Melbourne took out a color full-page in SYLVIA BRADSHAW'S 32 Leader newspapers to promote new senior newsreader PETER MITCHELL.

Community Broadcasting

* PETER McARTHUR, one-time ABC broadcaster, told the story to KATE JONES in this week's Maroondah Mail (Vic.) of 16 years of campaigning for Eastern FM to win a full licence. McArthur joined HERB LILBURN and GERALD SMART to petition the government for a community licence. McArthur is also involved in presenting Eastern Newsbeat on Melbourne's Channel 31 through Eastern Regional Access TV which convenor STEVE ODEA says also produces Pathways, Backchat and Tamil TV.

* CHRIS QUINLAN of Melbourne Musos has won Most Popular Educational Program at the inaugural MCTV Community TV Awards for Channel 31 held at the Marmalade Hotel. The program has 30,000, according to the Footscray Mail.

So, This Is Showbiz

* QUENTIN DEMPSTER, ABC-ite of 16 years, appeared last week at the Byron Beach Club Dining Room, to promote his book, Death Struggle. MICK O'REGAN, presenter of Radio National's Media Report, also appeared.

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Your ABC

* JULIE McCROSSAN returns to ABC-TV after her Ten Network stint with Good News Weekend. The McCrossin series, starting tomorrow (Tuesdays, 10pm), is a talk show produced by MARK FENNESSY, and JULIA PETERS as EP.

* COLIN KNOWLES, ABC Sydney, is taking applications for two positions: Manager, Radio and Television Broadcast Technical Services - Melbourne and Sydney.

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Big Names Dept.

* KERRY PACKER is most powerful in Media and Publishing according to The Australian Financial Review Weekend Edition's Power List 2000. Then: 2. JOHN HOWARD. 3. RUPERT MURDOCH. 4. RICHARD ALSTON. 5. KERRY STOKES.

* TONY BRANIGAN is announcing his retirement as General Manager of the Federation of Australian Commercial Television Stations. Chairman JUDI STACK says Tony stays as a Consultant.

* SENATOR RICHARD ALSTON, Federal Communications Minister, opened the Community Broadcasters Conferences at Coolangatta on Friday. Keynote speaker was STEVE AHERN of the Australian Film, Television and Radio School.

Smaller Names Dept.

* DERRYN HINCH, 3AW Nightline host, misses out on a side-earner from this week. Hinch penned a weekly column in Inside Melbourne. That's life!

* LUCY GALL has joined the reporting staff of The Nillumbik Mail, Eltham (Vic.).

Absent Friends

* CHERYL KENNAN (nee GERTZ) died this month at the age of 52, after a 12-month struggle with cancer. She was a much loved sales representative with the Frankston Standard, and had also worked for Leader's Cranbourne Sun, and FELIX GANDER'S Independent group.

* TONY COETSEE, long serving WA Business News resources writer, has lost his battle with cancer. HARRY KLEYN, Managing Editor, had his columns pay this tribute, in part: "His enthusiasm for the resources industry, both in WA and his former Zimbabwean homeland was infectious. So too was his love of the craft of journalism. It was always a pleasure and a challenge to sub-edit Tony's copy. Tony's analysis and understanding of the resources industry, along with his humor, will be missed."

* LOIS SMITH, 71, Director of Central Highlands Newspapers, Kilmore (Vic.), passed away last week, after an illness. Her husband JIM and family operate The Free Press and associated businesses.

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Movers And Shakers

* BOB JEBB'S Publishing Services Group within John Fairfax is being absorbed within PETER GRAHAM'S Group Operations wing.

* ANDREW PATON is new Age Circulation Sales Manager, and was recruited from National Space/Account Manager (Coles Myer) at Coca-Cola. He reports to BRYAN McNICOL. Other Spencer Street appointments include MICHAELA FLAVELLI, Account Manager, Advertising Employment; JOANNE SOMERVILLE and ANTHONY COLLIER, Marketing Analysts; DEBORAH TILL, Account Manager, Supplements and Direct; SUNNY BLASKETT, Account Manager, Advertising Agency Team.

* KYLIE McCAIG has joined Fairfax Custom Publishing as Strategy Manager, after a stint at Australian Consolidated Press.

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FORMAT

A monthly email newsletter for those involved in the production of formatted print publications -- newsletters, magazines, newspapers etc. Includes news and hints involving QXP, InDesign, PageMaker etc. See back issues at http://www.worsleypress.com/format or subscribe with a message of "subscribe" to format-request@lists.best.com

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The Local Report

* PAUL THOMAS, MD of South East Newspapers (Vic.), takes the record for the earliest 'Special Christmas Edition' sighted for the year. His Berwick News and Cranbourne News carried an impressive full-color 16-page wrap-around for Westfield Fountain Gate (Vic.), accompanying a 100-page regular edition. The South Eastern Real Estate News supplement is back to its earlier levels of the year: 56 pages.

* ROD ANDERSON'S Sunbury Telegraph and Macedon Ranges Telegraph (Fairfax) carried a 20-page gloss color wrap-around, circling a 48-page edition, for a new shopping centre. The papers are edited by SEAN CALLANDER.

* FEYNE WEAVER'S Gold Coast Sun is including a combined 16-page color Sun Driver and Travel supplement to 72-page editions. Total circulation now exceeds 103,000.

* SYLVIA BRADSHAW'S Melbourne group of 31 weekly newspapers are using a new logo of Leader Community Newspapers, incorporating the symbol of GENE SWINSTEAD'S News Limited Suburban Newspapers. One of the first use of the new IDs was with an employment ad placed by JEFF JASPER.

* KAREN HOWIE, Doncaster-Templestowe News reporter, used a novel theme for a double-page editorial spread: she traced the stories behind the classifieds. The yarns included a lost bird, a day in the life of a caterer, and the owner behind a car listed for sale. The newspaper's classified advisors also had their say: CASEY PLANT told of a booking for the year 2041; MARGARET PLUNKETT said a garage sale advertiser wanted a refund because it rained on the day.

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FREELANCE STORIES

available from Eric Shackle, (02) 4342 3280. eshackle@ozemail.com.au GORED! When every voter in Campbell Oklahoma supported Thomas Gore. he became a senator, he showed his gratitude by buying uniforms for the Campbell baseball team... and the town changed its name to Gore MARFA AND MIN MIN: HIT OR MYTH? Thousands of tourists visit remote towns in Queensland and Texas, hoping to glimpse mysterious lights TOM TURKEY TYSON. The world's biggest turkey weighed 40kg dressed. Who would have an oven large enough to roast such a monster? (Christmas special).

BUSINESS ANAGRAMS. MONKEYS WRITE the NEW YORK TIMES; the NEW YORK PRESS may RENT PESKY WHORES ... funny anagrams of business names THIS RUGBY COACH WAS A GHOST. Which of the world's 15 places named Rugby participate in the sport? Internet browsing discloses an English ghost story, a town at the geographical centre of North America, and a place in Australia called Rugby NSW GRAZIER DRAWS LIONS IN AFRICA. Chris McClelland manages a large Riverina sheep station, yet finds time to sketch lions and elephants in the wilds of Africa. PLUS stories about Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and many other subjects.

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Media Flashbacks

* MEDIA FLASH hinted on April 3 that all was not well at Inside Melbourne. In reply, Publisher CRAIG MARSH, warned Publisher ASH LONG to 'stay well clear of me in future'. Here is a Media Flashback:

* 'CRAIG MARSH, General Manager of Inside Melbourne, writes regarding last week's Media Flash article in which the latest ROY MORGAN survey, just released, identifies his magazine's readership as 86,000, compared to 100,000 more at The Melbourne Weekly:

* "Dear MR LONG, Please refrain from sending me this trash in the future. After reading your 'piece' this week I can honestly say it is one of the worst examples of writing I have read. Its (sic) all over the place. Your story seems to have been instigated as an 'even-up' for the hassles created by Text after your story on them. Given your past relationship with Text Media I am astounded you saw fit to write about this old news. Clearly you have other objectives here which ruthlessly involve irrelevant gutter stories. I suggest you stay well clear of me in future. Good luck in your latest project. From the look of it this will be one more of your many recent roles. Get a life! - C. MARSH."

Stix And Stones

* STEVE STICKNEY, Editor at The Manly Daily, is on leave.

The Trewistle Files - Part 1

Now Canberra has de-classified the file, we are free to publish the entire Trewistle saga. One or two episodes may seem familiar. Ask yourself: "Did I miss something insignificant?"

New Ad Medium Shines When It's Wet

* MILTON TREWISTLE, inventor of the speak-your-weight lavatory seat (before and after) and the automatic national anthem musical toilet paper dispenser has filed patent applications for a new bathroom invention - the wee-glo urinal.

* Advertisers can now have logos and messages in urinals which remain invisible until moistened, when they appear in a range of teeth-grinding colours. * Beer, fast foods, shoe polish and Viagra are among the commodities first in with this timely new medium. One popular message in hotels is "Please adjust your dress before leaving, you old queen."

* Trewistle is in discussions with the Police Department to develop a wee-glo version which indicates the patron's level of intoxication. Above .08 it displays the warning: If you can read this you're pissed again.

* Asked about his concentration on the toilet market, Trewistle comments darkly: "It's a saturation market. Do you know anyone who doesn't go to the dunny?"

* He is widely credited with inventing the hands-free mobile phone, which nearly sent him blind.

WARWICK BARRACLOUGH also writes seriously! He is a Perth freelancer, majoring on business, e-commerce and public relations projects. Contact him at: campaign@highway1.com.au

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ADVERTISING DISCOUNT FOR MEDIA FLASH SUBSCRIBERS

Reach seniors across Australia with The Mature Australian Newspaper

Now offering a hefty 20% discount to advertisers who subscribe to Media Flash Contact Jana Pearce (02) 9412 1411 or email mature@matureaustralian.com.au

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VOODOO SOFTWARE So you've tried all the software so why not VOODOO to protect your computer system from electronic glitches and viruses.

We paid a Kenyan witchdoctor, Ndungi Gitare to put a charm on a traditional doll which gives 100% protection for your computer against electronic bugger ups. WHAT YOU GET. Authentic traditional, African doll (not made in Taiwan) approx 4" with a peel tab so that it can attach on the surround by your monitor. FREE colour photo of our witchdoctor putting charm and the guarantee including text `....charms essentially work on the basis of faith and belief. If you have sufficient faith this voodoo doll will totally protect your computer. On the other hand, should your computer still be effected by glitches, virus or any type of malfunction then it is quite clear the operator has insufficient faith in the protective powers of the doll and the doll suppliers cannot be held in any way responsible.' Nonetheless, there is still a FULL ... MONEY BACK GUARANTEE. In the event of the user being struck by lightning return the doll and we will give you a full refund.' Ideal novelty gift for the computer geek who has everything. $15 plus $5 for post and registration. Forward Money order or $20 note to The African Bazaar / P.O. Box 1094 Byron Bay 2481. Or place order with credit card number by e mailing to: hmartin@mullum.com.au

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It's A Date

* NOV. 26-29. International Forum of Researchers on Young People And the Media. Millennium Hotel, Sydney. Contact: MARILYN WOODFORD. marilyn.woodford@aba.gov.au

Pasquarelli's Politics

* JOHN PASQUARELLI comments: "After their Christmas New Year hangover has worn off, Australians will be swept up in the campaigning for the next Federal Election. Despite Pauline Hanson and her self destructing party being written off by the pundits, the Big Boys are very concerned about the destination of the preferences of the pissed off. Big Parties are more on the nose than ever. Hanson is saying 'PUT THE SITTING MEMBER LAST' which would almost ensure the Fatman becomes PM. The Redhead can become the Ralph Nader of Australian politics!"

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John Pasquarelli

is collecting Papua New Guinea Tribal Art again.

Please contact me at P.O. Box 139, Yarraville, Victoria 3013.

Ph (03) 9314 4120. Fax (03) 9314 5914, Email: kojak@alphalink.com.au

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The Last Word

* GRAEME LEACH, Melba columnist in The Weekend Australian, has an eloquent turn-of-phrase to describe former Seven Network owner CHRISTOPHER SKASE: 'the grease-ball thief and fraudster'. Say what you really mean Graeme.

P.S.

* PETER TATCHELL, one of the Laugh Radio chiefs in Melbourne, offers his family status as 'single' in a STEPHEN McKENZIE interview in Melbourne Weekly Magazine: "I only fall in love with one person at a time and I'm not through with me yet."

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News Limited Suburbans

News Limited Suburban Newspapers

With more than 90 titles around Australia you can reach over 6 Million people every week with just one number.

Telephone 13 NEWS, that's 13 63 97

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Australian Media Job Directory

Employment

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DESIGN GRAPHICS EXPANDS Expansion makes three positions available at Design Graphics to work on Design Graphics magazine, the Art & Design Education Resource Guide and Oz Graphix. The office is situated at Sherbrooke in the Dandenong Ranges on the eastern edge of Melbourne. Applications to the Publisher, Colin Wood: cwood@designgraphics.com.au Enquiries phone Allison Matthews 03 9755 1149

ADVERTISING SALES MANAGER A top flight Advertising Sales Manager is required to join the Design Graphics team at the Ferny Creek office. The successful applicant will have the opportunity to work on the premier magazine in the computer graphics marketplace with a proven track record of servicing the industry's most prominent companies.

ASSISTANT EDITOR We are looking for an assistant editor with at least two years experience with market and technical knowledge of graphic design, computer graphics and design for the web. Must be familiar with the range of companies and products active in these areas.

GRAPHIC DESIGNER We are looking for a graphic designer with at least two years experience (maybe more) who is proficient in Photoshop, QuarkXPress, Illustrator and perhaps other applications including Flash. The designer will work closely with the Publisher and Art Director on editorial design with the emphasis on excellent display images, high quality communication graphics, quality layouts and being able to work within the house style.

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* GARRY HOWE, Editor of Berwick News and Cranbourne News, seeks to employ a Journalist, chiefly for real estate editorial preparation. Applications close Thursday (November 30). garry.howe@senews.com.au

* TONY YIANNI at the Papua New Guinea Post-Courier advertises for a Sub-Editor to start in January, and an Advertising - Marketing Manager to commence in June 2001. Apply by December 15. tyianni@spp.com.pg

* SENATOR GRANT CHAPMAN, Adelaide, is appointing a Media/Research Assistant. senator.chapman@aph.gov.au

* CANBERRA GRAMMAR SCHOOL is advertising nationally for candidates for a Director of Public Affairs. Bursar GRAHAM WILLARD has details. graham.willard@cgs.act.edu.au

* TINA LARGE, at Lyncroft Sales & Marketing, is recruiting a Business Development/Marketing Executive for a UK-listed sports and entertainment TV company. melbourne@lyncroft.com.au

* SUE BOURKE, at Hamilton James Bruce, has a $95,000 job (plus bonus) for a Manager, Public Relations, dealing with daily media enquiries. gwillcocks@hjb.com.au

* JASON BURGESS and NEROLIE ROSS, at Tanner Menzies, list the PR Co-ordinator, Community Relations, position at Victoria's Tabcorp. melbourne@tannermenzines.com

* CAITLIN FOSTER, at Crowe Communication, Sydney, searches for a Melbourne CBD-based Communications Officer. caitlin.foster@crowe.com.au

* SUE DAVIDSON at Reed Business, Sydney, is taking applications for a Publishing Director, as well as a Marketing and Circulation Manager. sue.davidson@reedbusiness.com.au

* JACK SMITH at The Weather Channel is appointing a Weather Presenter. Sounds find and mild to us. (02) 8912 6239.

Work Wanted

* Advertise your 'Work Wanted' notice in Media Flash. During December and January, we'll print your 'Work Wanted' ad for free. Simply E-Mail it to us by 5pm Friday at mediaflash@yahoo.com

* FREELANCE JOURNALIST with experience in features, science writing, video scripting and corporate communications - available for work. Phone 0419 128 400 or email ranns@ozemail.com.au

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Effective Words

If you are looking for someone who can create advertising copy, write media releases and proofread in a single bound (well almost) then I'm your woman. I'm a freelance writer with a variety of government and private sector clients. My career in both the media and education goes back 25 years. If you want effective words and you want them quickly and at very reasonable rates then call Alison Grahame (that's me) on 02 4324 3328 or fax 02 4324 0061.

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Sydney's money belt is best unzipped via Courier Newspapers. Here's how ... Wentworth Courier - circulation 45,479, readership 131,000. Across the eastern suburbs lucrative blue ribbon area, the Wentworth is the unrivalled market leader of the east.

Inner Western Suburbs Courier - circulation 71,593, readership 180,000 (yes, up again...from 161,000). Covering the well populated and growing market that is the Inner West, from Glebe and Balmain, to Burwood and Homebush....the Inner West is the essential read.

Southern Courier - circulation 44,739, readership 96,000. Reaching into a heavy populated and rapidly growing area (Clovelly to Mascot, La Perouse to Maroubra, Waterloo to Coogee), the Southern Courier is the undisputed market leader.

Sydney Weekly - circulation 90,500*, readership 181,000* * Publisher's Claim. The north shore corridor from the harbour through Hunters Hill, Chatswood and Mosman to leafy Wahroonga, is covered by the this premier lifestyle magazine

City Weekly - circulation 60,000*, readership 120,000*. * Publisher's Claim. Recognised for it's vibrant lifestyle and entertainment content and authoritative employment section, City Weekly covers the CBD and North Sydney.

wM (Weekly Messenger) - circulation 51,000*, readership 89,000. * Publisher's Claim. The new baby on the block...wM is a brand new lifestyle publication covering the key areas of Sydney's south eastern suburbs.

9 to 5 - circulation 60,000, readership 250,000*. * Publisher's Claim. Full of Sydney's best jobs, news updates and entertainment/lifestyle information... - a great start to the working week. Free of charge every week at railway stations and busy thoroughfares around the CBD.

CV - circulation 20,000. * Publisher's Claim. A unique recruitment magazine distributed at major train stations...it's about jobs, it's about time!!

Loosen the Sunshine Coast purse strings via Courier Newspapers......

Weekender - circulation 40,550, readership 120,000*. * Publisher's Claim. The fastest growing news magazine on the Sunshine Coast. An informative lifestyle publication, offering comprehensive news, real estate, classifieds, entertainment and much more.

Try a little surfing via......

Visit www.sydneyis.com.au for your ultimate guide to entertainment in and around Sydney. Everything to do in regard to Food & Drink, the Arts, Film, Music, Outdoor and Instore.

And, of course, www.couriernews.com.au offering links to www.serch4it.com.au offering all your classifieds online and www.propertpath.com.au the most tailored way to search for property.

For further details phone: 9353 9999

Media Flash And Australian Media Job Directory

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