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WAN-IFRA: What are your priorities for the printed paper this year?
S. Pirri: First and foremost our top priority is to make a positive difference in the lives of Canadians through our trusted journalism. From a print operations standpoint, we will be looking to maximize single copy profits and grow home delivery in areas identified as having growth potential.
Could you tell us when and why The Globe and Mail decided to outsource the printing of its newspapers?
Our presses had reached the end of their life, and we had to decide whether we wanted to purchase new presses and continue to print our own papers for the Ontario market, or outsource the printing. Outsourcing was not foreign to us as we were already outsourcing the printing outside of Ontario. Purchasing new presses would require us to move the print operation to a separate location for our offices. Outsourcing would allow us to focus on our core business, content creation, and would open the door to the possibility of printing more specialty executions.
In 1994 we outsourced the printing in Ontario to the same printer that was printing our papers in Quebec. This was definitely the right decision.
How do you make sure you get the print quality you need from your printing partners?
Producing a quality printed product is a common goal we share with our print partners. From our end we ensure that the files we provide meet their press specification. We created ICC profiles to ensure we maximize the press capabilities. We also have a quality specialist who reviews printed copies from all our print sites, and works closely with them to ensure any quality defects are addressed immediately.
From the printer’s end they have multiple quality control measures, and perform regular maintenance and calibration checks.
How has the current paper crises affected you?
Our newsprint is purchased by our printer, and although we have not been impacted directly they are seeing delays in deliveries, as well as longer lead times for specialty paper. Our printers carry an inventory of seven to 11 days’ worth of newsprint on our behalf. Unfortunately, we have been impacted by the rising cost in newsprint and specialty paper.
How do you see the paper version of The Globe and Mail developing during the next five years?
Our print product is an important part of The Globe and Mail brand, it contributes to our bottom line, and will continue to be part of our future. As we continue to see the cost of consumables increase, cost management will play an important role in ensuring print continues to deliver good margins.
As the world continues to change, so will The Globe, but one thing will remain constant – as Canada’s foremost news media company we will continue to lead the national discussion by engaging our readers through our award-winning journalism.
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