His Nibs: Will Rennie's revamp lead to job cuts at Media Scotland?
In the latest entry by The Drum's anonymous blogger, revealing news and observations Scotland's media and business communities wouldn't want you to hear, there’s an insider's insight into what the future may hold for the revamped Record and Mail.
It’s feared more job losses could be on the way at the Daily Record/Sunday Mail in the new year.
This time, though, the wind of change could sweep through the executive suite, or what’s left of it.
It’s thought three of the seven remaining chiefs earning over £80k might be at risk, as new boss Allan Rennie conducts a review of his editorial top team.
Also under review are the various properties dotted about the country owned by the newly-named Media Scotland. It’s thought a number may face closure in an economy drive, while there is potential to merge others.
But perhaps the first major change under Rennie’s leadership could impact on agencies and freelances, especially photographers.
The group has 17 local titles to its name and it’s thought more use could be made of their output.
As one insider put it: “If the Kilmarnock Standard are sending a photographer to the Killie-St Mirren game why should the Record and Paisley Daily Express also cover it on an individual basis? It would be more efficient for one highly-skilled photographer to supply all three titles.
“The same applies to news coverage. If one of our locals has a big story there is no reason the Record or Mail can’t use that as a basis for creating their own exclusives.”
Meanwhile, STV are expanding the use of video journalists. This involves a reporter working with a hand-held digital camera.
Apparently some reporters are already using iPhones to transmit images to the TV company’s website!