What’s making the news this week? It’s us—The Cobar Weekly newspaper is moving to full colour, with the help of a grant from the Regional Media Fund.
Managing editor Sharon Harland, who’s worked at the paper for the past 22 years, said the staff and committee are thrilled to be moving to full colour printing.
“Previously it’s just been an unaffordable dream, but the grant from the NSW Government’s Regional Media Fund will now enable us to purchase a high speed colour printer.
“I’m pleased that through the Regional Media Fund, the NSW Government recognises the importance of helping to improve the long-term sustainability of regionally focused newspapers like ours,” Mrs Harland said.
“Moving to full colour enables us to meet the market and will ensure our readers continue to have access to local news and content for many more years to come.”
The Minister for Regional NSW Tara Moriarty said becoming a full colour publication was a milestone achievement for the regional media outlet.
“The Cobar Weekly has been the voice of Cobar for over 30 years covering local stories celebrating community successes, and keeping locals informed of happenings both regionally and from the big cities,” Ms Moriarty said.
“With the switch to full colour printing imminent for The Cobar Weekly, I wish them every success into the future as they continue to modernise and grow their readership to serve the community for many more decades to come.”
Mrs Harland said it’s a bit like when colour television was introduced into Australia on March 1 1975, or as they were calling it back then, ‘C-day’.
“We’ve done some “test transmissions” to get used to working with full colour and we think we just about have things ready to go.
“Unlike on C-day 1975 when viewers needed to fork out around $1,000 (which is equivalent to $5,500 in today’s prices) for a colour TV, The Cobar Weekly customers will only see a slight price rise in the cover cost from $1 to $2.
“Advertisers will now have the option of paying a bit extra to see their ads in full colour.
“Back when colour television was being introduced, the public was given a warning that they may need to re-arrange their loungeroom furniture, but I don’t think we’ll be needing to do that,” Mrs Harland joked.
