Print Provides Impact And Value For Newspapers

The opportunities to bring more impact and value to the printed newspaper are extensive, according to Goss International's chief executive officer, Bob Brown.

The opportunities to bring more impact and value to the printed newspaper are extensive, according to Goss International's chief executive officer, Bob Brown, speaking at the 39th Metro Users Group conference.

Brown also encouraged production executives attending the conference to be, "agents of innovation" within their organisations.

The Goss boss's remarks were part of his keynote speech at the Goss double-width press user meeting in Orlando, Florida (USA).

He outlined steps publishers are taking to improve efficiency, impact, timeliness and targeting and discussed Goss International's commitment to supporting those publishers in transforming print media.

Brown cast doubt on the perception that printed newspapers are in an inevitable decline, citing print advertising revenues, operating profits, a growth in the number of titles and an increase in private equity investment interest.

"Print production has not reached a plateau.

We are at a threshold of new opportunity," he said, adding that investment in technology and ideas is required to add value, reduce costs and capture new revenue.

He added: "You won't succeed in transforming printed newspapers by reshuffling existing assets.

The answer may be a new press, but it may also be as simple as a new idea, an audit, an enhancement or a training programme that unlocks new potential." According to Brown, people are more interested in news and information than ever before and are going to sources that provide what they want when they want it.

And he explained: "Rather than sacrificing the core printed product, why not pursue a strategy of strengthening it, transforming it and giving print the ability to deliver more of what electronic media are delivering, whilst still maintaining the proven advantages and effectiveness of print." Brown told the Metro Users Group audience that market and technology leadership positions, financial strength and a comprehensive approach have put Goss International in a position to support newspapers.

At the same time, the company's sales volume and profitability continued to grow in 2006.

He said: "Goss International was chosen for some of the most significant and ambitious newspaper projects launched in 2006 on the press, packaging and aftermarket sides, and this was no accident.

We earned those orders because we are distinguishing ourselves through innovation and through our ability to execute in support of innovation." US projects, outlined in the speech, included orders for six Magnapak packaging systems for microzoning of inserts at the Chicago Tribune, Colorliner and FPS double-width press orders for The New York Times and Fredericksburg Free Lance-Star and the first Magnum 8 press installation in the country at Seacoast Media Group in New Hampshire.

Brown also called attention to Goss Lifetime Support services, saying the company has 300 employees in the USA dedicated to parts, service, enhancement and training programmes.

He said the innovation and ingenuity to transform print media are available and that innovative publishers are seizing new opportunities.

And he continued: "They are changing content, format and distribution models, improving quality and efficiencym and targeting content and advertising to specific readers and microzones.

Some are changing their basic business models - adding commercial work, shifting from paid to free distribution, or from in-house to outsourced production." Brown concluded: "There is no single formula that characterises the new titles that are succeeding, or the existing titles that are thriving, but the one constant is that these publishers are not standing still.

They are investing to improve the value and impact of their printed product." Over 450 people attended the five-day conference, which provides a range of training, education and information sharing opportunities.

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