On HoldtheFrontPage today we are running our nominations for the Top Ten Friday Funnies of 2009, featuring the very best in UK press cock-ups, bizarre news judgements, unintentional double entendres and sheer silliness from the past 12 months.
Now we want your help in choosing the ultimate winner.
The following poll will remain open for the next fortnight and the results will be published on the site early in the New Year.
Click here for a recap on the contenders.
Friday, 18 December 2009
Thursday, 10 December 2009
O Christmas Tree....
This rather sorry image was captured in a regional press newsroom earlier today. We'll spare the blushes of the newspaper concerned, but the journalist who sent it to us seemed to think it summed up his company's year.....
Thursday, 3 December 2009
All in the line of duty….
An Israeli sports reporter got more than he bargained for when he went to cover a basketball match on Tuesday.
Irmi Olmert, the brother of the country's former Prime Minister Ehud, apparently took exception to something the reporter had said on-air on the Channel 5 sports network.
Video footage shows the pair arguing followed by shots of the reporter laid flat out on the court although the punch itself is not filmed.
It's not the first time a reporter has been set upon – all in the line of duty of course – so over to the Daily Mirror website for a video round-up of the Top 10 attacks on reporters caught on camera.
Irmi Olmert, the brother of the country's former Prime Minister Ehud, apparently took exception to something the reporter had said on-air on the Channel 5 sports network.
Video footage shows the pair arguing followed by shots of the reporter laid flat out on the court although the punch itself is not filmed.
It's not the first time a reporter has been set upon – all in the line of duty of course – so over to the Daily Mirror website for a video round-up of the Top 10 attacks on reporters caught on camera.
Monday, 16 November 2009
Liveblogging the Society of Editors conference
HoldtheFrontPage is at Stansted today covering the Society of Editors conference, the biggest media gathering of the year. You can follow our live updates via our Twitter feed, Journalism News.
Tuesday, 10 November 2009
Are local newspapers worth saving?
Most HoldtheFrontPage readers would say yes, of course. But here's an opposing view from the Guardian columnist George Monbiot.
Monday, 9 November 2009
Spot on, Peter
You can say what you like about TV's the X-Factor, but it certainly gets people talking. Last night's decision by Simon Cowell to reprieve talentless twins John and Edward Grimes at the expense of Welsh songbird Lucie Jones has been the main topic of conversation in many offices this morning.
At least one regional editor was so exercised by Cowell's behaviour as to feel the need to blog on it, although Northern Echo editor Peter Barron does preface his remarks with the words: "I know I shouldn't get so worked up about a TV talent show, but...."
Peter goes on to pose the question as to how on earth Cowell can slag off John and Edward throughout the competition and then bottle the chance to vote them off the show.
"Could it possibly have anything to do with the fact that John and Edward are guaranteed to generate more publicity than Lucie and, therefore, had to stay?"
Spot on. But as Vicky Frost in the Guardian points out, such naked displays of cynicism on Cowell's part risk killing the goose that lays the golden egg.
She writes: "Jedward are still totally ridiculous, but have now seen off a rather good earnest X-Factor singer, and count Cowell among their fans. By saving them, Cowell has not only destroyed Jedward's appeal – he has chipped away at the programme's too."
At least one regional editor was so exercised by Cowell's behaviour as to feel the need to blog on it, although Northern Echo editor Peter Barron does preface his remarks with the words: "I know I shouldn't get so worked up about a TV talent show, but...."
Peter goes on to pose the question as to how on earth Cowell can slag off John and Edward throughout the competition and then bottle the chance to vote them off the show.
"Could it possibly have anything to do with the fact that John and Edward are guaranteed to generate more publicity than Lucie and, therefore, had to stay?"
Spot on. But as Vicky Frost in the Guardian points out, such naked displays of cynicism on Cowell's part risk killing the goose that lays the golden egg.
She writes: "Jedward are still totally ridiculous, but have now seen off a rather good earnest X-Factor singer, and count Cowell among their fans. By saving them, Cowell has not only destroyed Jedward's appeal – he has chipped away at the programme's too."
Friday, 6 November 2009
Lowe's big tease
As his one-time deputy Keith Perch recently noted, Mike Lowe was one of the great 'personality editors' of the 1990s, bringing his unique style of journalism to first the Gloucester Citizen, then the Derby Evening Telegraph, and finally the Bristol Evening Post.
After leaving Bristol following a management shake-up at the paper in 2005, Mike forged a new career as a lifestyle magazine editor, but the recent departures of Paul Horrocks from the Manchester Evening News and Marc Reeves and Steve Dyson from the Birmingham Post and Mail gave Jon Slattery the chance to dust off his contacts book and give him a call for a feature about what happens to ex-editors.
The interview, published in the current print edition of Press Gazette but not available online, is a great read, not least Mike's revelation that he once entertained "3am fantasies of assassinating the man (or woman)" who forced him out of his job.
But the really tantalising gem is the bit where Mike reveals he has recently been approached to return to editing on a major regional title.
He said: "I had a phone call from a headhunter only this week inviting me to apply for a significant regional editor's job. It took me about 20 minutes to realise that I wasn't remotely interested. Life moves on."
So which "significant regional title" was it? Well, the only one I can think of that is currently vacant is the MEN. If Mike, a lifelong United fan, was not tempted by that one, then it's clear that nothing is going to lure him back into regional journalism.
After leaving Bristol following a management shake-up at the paper in 2005, Mike forged a new career as a lifestyle magazine editor, but the recent departures of Paul Horrocks from the Manchester Evening News and Marc Reeves and Steve Dyson from the Birmingham Post and Mail gave Jon Slattery the chance to dust off his contacts book and give him a call for a feature about what happens to ex-editors.
The interview, published in the current print edition of Press Gazette but not available online, is a great read, not least Mike's revelation that he once entertained "3am fantasies of assassinating the man (or woman)" who forced him out of his job.
But the really tantalising gem is the bit where Mike reveals he has recently been approached to return to editing on a major regional title.
He said: "I had a phone call from a headhunter only this week inviting me to apply for a significant regional editor's job. It took me about 20 minutes to realise that I wasn't remotely interested. Life moves on."
So which "significant regional title" was it? Well, the only one I can think of that is currently vacant is the MEN. If Mike, a lifelong United fan, was not tempted by that one, then it's clear that nothing is going to lure him back into regional journalism.
The Commons: 'A killer place'
The funeral of former MEN political editor Ian Craig took place in his family's home town of Wrexham yesterday, with many regional lobby figures past and present paying their respects.
So today's obituary by David McKittrick in the Independent was particularly timely.
But I have to say my eyes lingered over a rather sombre paragraph in McKittrick's piece, in which Ian's close friend, Ian Hernon of the Liverpool Echo, laments his premature loss.
Hernon himself penned the Guardian's obituary of Ian published on Monday.
So today's obituary by David McKittrick in the Independent was particularly timely.
But I have to say my eyes lingered over a rather sombre paragraph in McKittrick's piece, in which Ian's close friend, Ian Hernon of the Liverpool Echo, laments his premature loss.
"He joins a regiment of pals who never made it to retirement. They include fellow hacks, officials and politicians. The point is that this is a killer place. Long hours, the hothouse atmosphere, stress, the political roughhouse, travelling, separation from families – and, let's be honest, 17 bars – all combine to prevent many making old bones."
Hernon himself penned the Guardian's obituary of Ian published on Monday.
The right to give offence
Tory blogger Iain Dale's connection to the regional press is somewhat tenuous - he writes a column for the Eastern Daily Press - so we didn't carry today's story about the PCC adjudication against him on the main site.
Nonetheless, the commission's decision to reject Mr Dale's complaint against the Daily Mail columnist Ephraim Hardcastle's description of him as "overtly gay" certainly raises some interesting issues.
It's a rather strangely worded judgement. The PCC agrees the article was "uncharitable" and "snippy" but does not accept that the use of the word "overtly" in conjunction with the word "gay" is necessarily pejorative or homophobic.
It goes on to say: "While people may occasionally be insulted or upset by what is said about them in newspapers, the right to freedom of expression that journalists enjoy also includes the right - within the law - to give offence."
Dale himself, who had initially complained that the piece was "snide" and objectionable, has been fairly restrained in his comments about the adjuducation.
Writing on his blog, he states tersely: "I'm disappointed, but I can't say I am surprised."
Nonetheless, the commission's decision to reject Mr Dale's complaint against the Daily Mail columnist Ephraim Hardcastle's description of him as "overtly gay" certainly raises some interesting issues.
It's a rather strangely worded judgement. The PCC agrees the article was "uncharitable" and "snippy" but does not accept that the use of the word "overtly" in conjunction with the word "gay" is necessarily pejorative or homophobic.
It goes on to say: "While people may occasionally be insulted or upset by what is said about them in newspapers, the right to freedom of expression that journalists enjoy also includes the right - within the law - to give offence."
Dale himself, who had initially complained that the piece was "snide" and objectionable, has been fairly restrained in his comments about the adjuducation.
Writing on his blog, he states tersely: "I'm disappointed, but I can't say I am surprised."
Thursday, 29 October 2009
Farewell to a great regional press journalist
Earlier this week on HoldtheFrontPage we carried news of the sudden death of long-standing regional lobby correspondent Ian Craig, who until earlier this year was political editor of the Manchester Evening News.
It is always sad when a journalist passes away, but the reaction to Ian's death and the breadth of the tributes that have been paid to him demonstrate that he was someone of very high renown within our profession.
The tributes were led by no less a figure than former premier Tony Blair, and others have appeared on Manchester Online, North West media website How Do, online memorials site Lasting Tribute, and the Newspaper Society website.
As I knew Ian personally from my lobby days, I have also posted my own memories of him on my personal blog.
Here's a selection of what has been said this week about this great regional press journalist.
Tony Blair, former Prime Minister
"It is truly shocking to hear this news. Ian interviewed me on a number of occasions and always struck me as a very talented journalist and a true gentleman. He has been a real credit to his profession, to British politics and to Manchester."
Mike Unger, former editor of the MEN
"Ian's death is a great, great loss. He was one of the great political journalists of his generation, with an outstanding record in both local and national politics. He was quiet, thoughtful, intelligent and hugely calm under pressure. It was a privilege to be friends with him for more than 35 years. And the genuine outpouring of grief and happy memories has been unbelievable. He will be truly missed."
David Hencke, chairman of the Press Gallery
"Ian will be sorely missed in Parliament - he was a great guy- and his sudden death comes as a big shock to everyone in the lobby. I always enjoyed chatting with him and he was incredibly friendly to everyone. He had a great nose for news and kept well abreast of everything happening in Westminster."
John Hipwood, political editor of the Express and Star and former Gallery chairman
"Ian was not only a consummate professional with the ability to write sharp and incisive intros, he was also a generous friend to many in the Press Gallery. At any gathering, his anecdotes and sense of fun made him great company, and not for nothing was he known as one of ‘The Three Muscadets’."
Matt Chorley, chairman of the Newspaper Conference
"Ian was a well-known and much respected member of the lobby, and his presence around the corridors of Parliament, with his archive of anecdotes on MPs past and present, will be sorely missed."
Ian Wylie, former MEN London editor
"Ian was a kind and considerate man who was hugely respected at Westminster. We worked alongside each other for the best part of a quarter of a century and I was also lucky enough to count him as a friend. In all that time we never once had a cross word. The number of shocked colleagues paying tribute to him is a mark of what a lovely man he was."
It is always sad when a journalist passes away, but the reaction to Ian's death and the breadth of the tributes that have been paid to him demonstrate that he was someone of very high renown within our profession.
The tributes were led by no less a figure than former premier Tony Blair, and others have appeared on Manchester Online, North West media website How Do, online memorials site Lasting Tribute, and the Newspaper Society website.
As I knew Ian personally from my lobby days, I have also posted my own memories of him on my personal blog.
Here's a selection of what has been said this week about this great regional press journalist.
Tony Blair, former Prime Minister
"It is truly shocking to hear this news. Ian interviewed me on a number of occasions and always struck me as a very talented journalist and a true gentleman. He has been a real credit to his profession, to British politics and to Manchester."
Mike Unger, former editor of the MEN
"Ian's death is a great, great loss. He was one of the great political journalists of his generation, with an outstanding record in both local and national politics. He was quiet, thoughtful, intelligent and hugely calm under pressure. It was a privilege to be friends with him for more than 35 years. And the genuine outpouring of grief and happy memories has been unbelievable. He will be truly missed."
David Hencke, chairman of the Press Gallery
"Ian will be sorely missed in Parliament - he was a great guy- and his sudden death comes as a big shock to everyone in the lobby. I always enjoyed chatting with him and he was incredibly friendly to everyone. He had a great nose for news and kept well abreast of everything happening in Westminster."
John Hipwood, political editor of the Express and Star and former Gallery chairman
"Ian was not only a consummate professional with the ability to write sharp and incisive intros, he was also a generous friend to many in the Press Gallery. At any gathering, his anecdotes and sense of fun made him great company, and not for nothing was he known as one of ‘The Three Muscadets’."
Matt Chorley, chairman of the Newspaper Conference
"Ian was a well-known and much respected member of the lobby, and his presence around the corridors of Parliament, with his archive of anecdotes on MPs past and present, will be sorely missed."
Ian Wylie, former MEN London editor
"Ian was a kind and considerate man who was hugely respected at Westminster. We worked alongside each other for the best part of a quarter of a century and I was also lucky enough to count him as a friend. In all that time we never once had a cross word. The number of shocked colleagues paying tribute to him is a mark of what a lovely man he was."
Wednesday, 21 October 2009
Will others follow where Trinity Mirror has led?
A certain amount flak will inevitably be flying in the direction of Trinity Mirror over its decision to take the Birmingham Post weekly. Indeed the NUJ's Chris Morley, who seems to reserve his most colourful invective for matters affecting Trinity Mirror Midlands, has already described it as "the corporate equivalent of self-harm."
But although the move will win the company few friends among journalists, some might applaud Trinity for having bitten the bullet over reducing the frequency of a loss-making title while most other publishers have merely talked about it.
Since the start of the downturn in the autumn of 2008, there have been numerous wild predictions about the industry's future, with claims that up to 650 local titles would close and many regional dailies would become weeklies.
So far, though, only two regional publishers have actually gone down that route - GMG Regional Media by taking the Reading Evening Post twice-weekly, and Trinity Mirror with yesterday's decision.
With a circulation down to 12,076 according to the most recent ABC figures, the Post was always a likely candidate for change of frequency.
Now the deed has finally been done, the big question in the industry will be whether this will prove to be a one-off - or alternatively, whether other publishers will now follow where Trinity and GMG have led.
But although the move will win the company few friends among journalists, some might applaud Trinity for having bitten the bullet over reducing the frequency of a loss-making title while most other publishers have merely talked about it.
Since the start of the downturn in the autumn of 2008, there have been numerous wild predictions about the industry's future, with claims that up to 650 local titles would close and many regional dailies would become weeklies.
So far, though, only two regional publishers have actually gone down that route - GMG Regional Media by taking the Reading Evening Post twice-weekly, and Trinity Mirror with yesterday's decision.
With a circulation down to 12,076 according to the most recent ABC figures, the Post was always a likely candidate for change of frequency.
Now the deed has finally been done, the big question in the industry will be whether this will prove to be a one-off - or alternatively, whether other publishers will now follow where Trinity and GMG have led.
Tuesday, 20 October 2009
Speculation mounts over Birmingham dailies
Speculation is mounting in the blogosphere over the future of the Trinity Mirror owned titles in Birmingham.
Nearly two months ago, the company launched a wide-ranging consultation over the future of the Birmingham Post and Mail.
Options under consideration included turning the Post into a weekly title and printing the Mail overnight. It is believed this would save around £1m a year on van runs.
Trinity Mirror is saying nothing officially as yet, but two Birmingham-based blogs are claiming that an announcement on the proposed moves is imminent.
Philip Parkin, operations director of the Birmingham Press Club, writes on his blog that "the coming week promises to be a significant one for The Birmingham Post."
"My spies tell me that this is the week that the announcement about the newspaper’s future is due to be made, with the switch to weekly happening sometime in late November," he says.
Another Birmingham blogger calling himself The Stirrer goes further, saying the announcement will be made today.
"Expect fireworks from newspaper publisher Trinity Mirror in the next 24 hours, with confirmation that the Birmingham Post is going weekly – possibly as early as November 5," he wrote yesterday, claiming staff have already been told that "major changes" on both titles are imminent.
3.30pm UPDATE: It's now official. The Birmingham Post is to go weekly, the Mail is to go to overnight printing, and both their editors have decided to leave. All the details over at HoldtheFrontPage.
Nearly two months ago, the company launched a wide-ranging consultation over the future of the Birmingham Post and Mail.
Options under consideration included turning the Post into a weekly title and printing the Mail overnight. It is believed this would save around £1m a year on van runs.
Trinity Mirror is saying nothing officially as yet, but two Birmingham-based blogs are claiming that an announcement on the proposed moves is imminent.
Philip Parkin, operations director of the Birmingham Press Club, writes on his blog that "the coming week promises to be a significant one for The Birmingham Post."
"My spies tell me that this is the week that the announcement about the newspaper’s future is due to be made, with the switch to weekly happening sometime in late November," he says.
Another Birmingham blogger calling himself The Stirrer goes further, saying the announcement will be made today.
"Expect fireworks from newspaper publisher Trinity Mirror in the next 24 hours, with confirmation that the Birmingham Post is going weekly – possibly as early as November 5," he wrote yesterday, claiming staff have already been told that "major changes" on both titles are imminent.
3.30pm UPDATE: It's now official. The Birmingham Post is to go weekly, the Mail is to go to overnight printing, and both their editors have decided to leave. All the details over at HoldtheFrontPage.
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