DENVER — MediaNews Group will begin testing its I-News individuated news concept in a Northwest Denver neighborhood May 25, the publisher told News & Tech last week.
The trial is a forerunner to the official rollout of the service, which is planned to take place in August to subscribers of MNG’s (Los Angeles) Daily News (see News & Tech, March 2009).
Peter Vandevanter, MNG’s vice president of targeted products, said Daily News readers will be able to select news based on their interests, which will be combined with news from an undisclosed wire service, Daily News content and targeted advertising.
Readers can either access I-News as an i-edition online or upgrade to receive a printed product via a smart, wireless desktop printer installed in their homes, Vandevanter said.
L.A. users opting for the latter option will begin taking possession of their printers, from an undisclosed vendor, in July, he said.
“For testing in Denver, we are taking news from the late edition of The Denver Post, scraping the headlines and paginating those articles in the same order of hierarchy as they appear in the printed newspaper,” Vandevanter explained. “The next step takes content based on reader preference from the [wire service] server.”
That process, Vandevanter said, is based on coding developed in-house by MNG IT staff in Denver.
“It’s basically RSS to PDF technology,” he said.
Meantime, Vandevanter said MNG has committed to finding an application within the group’s markets for Printcasting.com.
Look for more information about I-News in the June issue of News & Tech, as well as information and developments leading up to MNG’s third Individuated News Conference scheduled to take place June 24-26 in Washington, D.C. INC3 is co-sponsored by Newspapers & Technology, Accrisoft, Océ and The Washington Times.
Monday, May 11, 2009
HP unveils digital press at IBD publisher
LOS ANGELES — Hewlett Packard last week formally rolled out its Inkjet Web Press digital press aimed at newspapers.
The press, first introduced at last year’s drupa in Dusseldorf, Germany, has been undergoing testing and evaluation by O’Neil Data Systems, which publishes Investor’s Business Daily.
Although the machine is not being used to print IBD, a special May 5 edition of the paper was printed on the press, and delivered to registrants attending an open house sponsored by HP at O’Neil’s facilities here.
“IBD is still just a proof of concept,” Jim Lucanish, president of ODS, told News & Tech. “We have no intention to print that on this press at this point.”
Attendees saw the press in action, as well as the digital front-end driving the press and finishing equipment.
William O’Neil, chairman and founder of ODS, IBD and the company that bears his name, praised HP as a company that’s stayed on top of cycles governing the market and economy, and he credited the vendor for remaining on the leading edge of graphic arts technologies.
The Inkjet Web Press boasts speeds of 400 feet per minute at resolutions of 600-by-600 dots per inch for newspaper production, and resolutions of 1,200-by-1,200 dpi for other products.
Look for full coverage of the press unveiling in the June issue of News & Tech.
The press, first introduced at last year’s drupa in Dusseldorf, Germany, has been undergoing testing and evaluation by O’Neil Data Systems, which publishes Investor’s Business Daily.
Although the machine is not being used to print IBD, a special May 5 edition of the paper was printed on the press, and delivered to registrants attending an open house sponsored by HP at O’Neil’s facilities here.
“IBD is still just a proof of concept,” Jim Lucanish, president of ODS, told News & Tech. “We have no intention to print that on this press at this point.”
Attendees saw the press in action, as well as the digital front-end driving the press and finishing equipment.
William O’Neil, chairman and founder of ODS, IBD and the company that bears his name, praised HP as a company that’s stayed on top of cycles governing the market and economy, and he credited the vendor for remaining on the leading edge of graphic arts technologies.
The Inkjet Web Press boasts speeds of 400 feet per minute at resolutions of 600-by-600 dots per inch for newspaper production, and resolutions of 1,200-by-1,200 dpi for other products.
Look for full coverage of the press unveiling in the June issue of News & Tech.
Goss cuts U.S. staff
Goss International Corp. said it reduced its U.S. work force by approximately 170 as it responds to deteriorating market conditions.
The job losses took place at Goss’ facilities in Durham, N.H., suburban Chicago and Kennedale, Texas. Goss also said it’s reviewing other options to reduce costs at U.S. operations, including short-term furloughs.
The job losses took place at Goss’ facilities in Durham, N.H., suburban Chicago and Kennedale, Texas. Goss also said it’s reviewing other options to reduce costs at U.S. operations, including short-term furloughs.
Metro sells off U.S. papers
Metro International S.A. said it will sell its U.S. papers to a company run by former Metro executive Pelle Tornberg.
The sale includes Metro editions in New York and Philadelphia as well as Boston Metro, which is published through a partnership with The Boston Globe. The three papers have a combined circulation of almost 600,000 copies.
No financial details were disclosed.
The sale includes Metro editions in New York and Philadelphia as well as Boston Metro, which is published through a partnership with The Boston Globe. The three papers have a combined circulation of almost 600,000 copies.
No financial details were disclosed.
NYT intros Times Reader 2.0
The New York Times today introduced the latest version of its Times Reader software, providing a more interactive and Web-like environment.
Times Reader 2.0, based on Adobe Systems Inc.’s Air software, will enable users to download content without requiring a browser front-end.
New features include video support and an interactive edition of the crossword puzzle.
The Times is offering two versions of the software. The first, available free of charge, offers readers access to articles appearing in the front, business and most e-mailed sections. A paid subscription — providing access to all content — costs $3.45 per week but will be available free for a limited time to subscribers of the print edition.
Times Reader 2.0, based on Adobe Systems Inc.’s Air software, will enable users to download content without requiring a browser front-end.
New features include video support and an interactive edition of the crossword puzzle.
The Times is offering two versions of the software. The first, available free of charge, offers readers access to articles appearing in the front, business and most e-mailed sections. A paid subscription — providing access to all content — costs $3.45 per week but will be available free for a limited time to subscribers of the print edition.
WSJ mulling micropayments?
The Wall Street Journal could begin charging fees for individual articles and premium subscriptions to its online content, according to a story in The Financial Times.
The Times, quoting Journal Managing Editor Robert Thomson, said the service could launch this fall.
The Times, quoting Journal Managing Editor Robert Thomson, said the service could launch this fall.
Amazon sets ‘newspaper’ Kindle
Amazon last week said it would roll out a new Kindle engineered with a larger display and also struck deals with three newspapers to market the device.
The Kindle DX boasts a rotational display measuring 9.7 inches, more than two times the size of the Kindle 2, which was released earlier this year. The reader also sports a built-in PDF reader and can hold up to 3,500 books, Amazon said. It will be available this summer and priced at $489.
As part of the rollout, The New York Times, The Washington Post and The Boston Globe will offer the device at a reduced price in exchange for subscriber commitments.
Competitor Plastic Logic, which next year will begin offering its own e-reader with a larger display, earlier struck a deal with Detroit Media Partnership through which DMP will offer the device to its readers as part of a trial (see News & Tech Dateline, March 16, 2009).
The test units — which will also be evaluated by USA Today — will be available in late summer or early fall, Plastic Logic said.
The Kindle DX boasts a rotational display measuring 9.7 inches, more than two times the size of the Kindle 2, which was released earlier this year. The reader also sports a built-in PDF reader and can hold up to 3,500 books, Amazon said. It will be available this summer and priced at $489.
As part of the rollout, The New York Times, The Washington Post and The Boston Globe will offer the device at a reduced price in exchange for subscriber commitments.
Competitor Plastic Logic, which next year will begin offering its own e-reader with a larger display, earlier struck a deal with Detroit Media Partnership through which DMP will offer the device to its readers as part of a trial (see News & Tech Dateline, March 16, 2009).
The test units — which will also be evaluated by USA Today — will be available in late summer or early fall, Plastic Logic said.
Ecuadorian paper picks KBA
El Telegrafo in Guayaquil, Ecuador, picked Koenig & Bauer AG to supply it with a Colora doublewide press. It’s the first Colora to be installed in Ecuador, KBA said.
The Berliner machine, with an 18.5-inch cutoff, will be able to print up to 37,500 32-page newspapers, or 75,000 16-page papers, per hour, all in full color.
The press will, configured as two four-high towers and a KF 5 jaw folder, will also include press control software from EAE. It will go into production later this year.
The Berliner machine, with an 18.5-inch cutoff, will be able to print up to 37,500 32-page newspapers, or 75,000 16-page papers, per hour, all in full color.
The press will, configured as two four-high towers and a KF 5 jaw folder, will also include press control software from EAE. It will go into production later this year.
San Diego U-T purchase completed
The San Diego Union-Tribune said its acquisition by a Beverly Hills, Calif., private-equity firm has been completed.
Platinum Equity purchased the paper for an undisclosed sum from The Copley Press Inc., which owned The Union-Tribune for more than 80 years.
Platinum named Paul Bridwell, described as a turnaround specialist, as chief restructuring officer. Bridwell, who also held senior executive positions at Platinum, will serve as the newspaper’s senior executive.
Platinum hasn’t publicly disclosed its plans for the paper.
Platinum Equity purchased the paper for an undisclosed sum from The Copley Press Inc., which owned The Union-Tribune for more than 80 years.
Platinum named Paul Bridwell, described as a turnaround specialist, as chief restructuring officer. Bridwell, who also held senior executive positions at Platinum, will serve as the newspaper’s senior executive.
Platinum hasn’t publicly disclosed its plans for the paper.
Ore. paper taps Harland Simon for print software
The Register Guard in Eugene, Ore., is adding auto-impositioning and color quality software from Harland Simon to improve its print quality.
The newspaper is installing the vendor’s Prima Esprit and Prima ColorWare apps in a project to be completed this month, said Janet Owen, production director.
Both products are based on algorithms that calculate the best way to produce a particular product based on press capabilities and preferred printing methods.
ColorWare determines color availability and job specs and transfers that information to Esprit, which automatically calculates the best imposition to the press.
The newspaper is installing the vendor’s Prima Esprit and Prima ColorWare apps in a project to be completed this month, said Janet Owen, production director.
Both products are based on algorithms that calculate the best way to produce a particular product based on press capabilities and preferred printing methods.
ColorWare determines color availability and job specs and transfers that information to Esprit, which automatically calculates the best imposition to the press.
APT: Contests snaring dollars
Advanced Publishing Technology said newspapers have generated more than $500,000 through its EZ$Contests and EZ$Fantasy Racing contest applications. Additionally, papers are generating additional revenues by selling banner ads on contest sites, APT said.
One newspaper, the (Hopkinsville) Kentucky New Era, said it generated four times as much revenue from its online contests than it did from its print-only versions.
One newspaper, the (Hopkinsville) Kentucky New Era, said it generated four times as much revenue from its online contests than it did from its print-only versions.
CNI picks Fusion to streamline workflow
Community Newspapers Inc. installed Workflow ESP automated prepress software from Fusion Systems International as part of its migration to computer-to-plate. The publisher will use the app to provide digital integrity between proofing, plating and the printed product, FSI said.
CNI produces more than 100 different publications each month and FSI’s app will allow the publisher to process multiple publications simultaneously, CNI said.
CNI produces more than 100 different publications each month and FSI’s app will allow the publisher to process multiple publications simultaneously, CNI said.
ATS, Creative Circle partner for Web-first app
Advanced Technical Solutions and Creative Circle announced a “Web-first” editorial production application, which the companies said manages all forms of media content — user contributions, press releases, blogs, forums, photo, video and audio — from a single place.
The app is based on ATS’ MediaDesk and Creative Circle’s mediasiteQ and communityQ products.
The app is based on ATS’ MediaDesk and Creative Circle’s mediasiteQ and communityQ products.
PCF picks up N.J. distribution
Publishers Circulation Fulfillment said it’s taken over delivery responsibilities for the Asbury Park Press in Neptune, N.J., distributing some 100,000 copies of the paper.
PCF also began delivering 23,000 copies of The Enterprise in Brockton, Mass., and will also begin distributing 8,000 copies of The Patriot Ledger in Quincy, Mass., later this month. Both papers are owned by GateHouse Media.
In March, PCF re-assumed home delivery responsibilities for The New York Times in metropolitan Detroit.
PCF also began delivering 23,000 copies of The Enterprise in Brockton, Mass., and will also begin distributing 8,000 copies of The Patriot Ledger in Quincy, Mass., later this month. Both papers are owned by GateHouse Media.
In March, PCF re-assumed home delivery responsibilities for The New York Times in metropolitan Detroit.
Va. paper goes all-color
The Daily Press in Newport News, Va., May 3 became an all-color newspaper, capping off a two-year project that included press controls, a migration to computer-to-plate, new lockups and re-engineering its 27-year-old, 16-unit Goss International Metroliner press.
Look for more information about the paper’s conversion in the June issue of News & Tech.
Look for more information about the paper’s conversion in the June issue of News & Tech.
German pub taps ppi for output
Mittelbayerisches Druckzentrum, publisher of Mittelbayerisches Zeitung in Regensburg, Germany, installed ppi Media’s printnet OM output management app as part of its deployment of new Colorman XXL presses and automated plate-loading equipment from manroland.
The app will help the publisher automate RIPs, imaging, production monitoring and proofing, and will deliver plates to the printer’s computer-to-plate equipment.
The app will help the publisher automate RIPs, imaging, production monitoring and proofing, and will deliver plates to the printer’s computer-to-plate equipment.
Obituary: Gene Cooper
Gene Cooper, who had been employed by Pressroom Cleaners Inc. for 30 years and a contractor at the Omaha (Neb.) World-Herald for 25 years, passed away May 4. He was 58.
In Brief
Pressline Services Inc. named Slavek Panek folder specialist.
Cannon Equipment named Jason Pitts vice president of finance.
NewsNotes named Jerry Simpkins chief operation officer of NaStar Inc., the marketing arm of NewsNotes Advertising.
Tesa Tape Inc. rolled out a new splicing tape, 64437, which can be used on both coated and uncoated stock. The tape is repulpable, allowing it to be recycled during the pulp and re-pulp process, the firm said.
www.tesatape.com
Southern Lithoplate added EskoArtwork to the list of vendors participating in its Certified Strategic Business Partner Program.
www.slp.com
The Newseum in Washington, D.C., opened its FOTOBAMA exhibit, showcasing the top 100 professional and amateur photographs selected from a field of more than 1,500 photos depicting the presidency of Barack Obama. Entries were solicited from around the world, the Newseum said. The exhibit is co-sponsored by Fotoweek DC.
www.newseum.org
Derksen Printers Ltd., a commercial printer and newspaper publisher in Canada, installed a Trendsetter News 70 thermal computer-to-plate machine from Kodak. Derksen is also using Kodak thermal plates and its Prinergy Evo workflow app.
www.graphics.kodak.com
Cannon Equipment named Jason Pitts vice president of finance.
NewsNotes named Jerry Simpkins chief operation officer of NaStar Inc., the marketing arm of NewsNotes Advertising.
Tesa Tape Inc. rolled out a new splicing tape, 64437, which can be used on both coated and uncoated stock. The tape is repulpable, allowing it to be recycled during the pulp and re-pulp process, the firm said.
www.tesatape.com
Southern Lithoplate added EskoArtwork to the list of vendors participating in its Certified Strategic Business Partner Program.
www.slp.com
The Newseum in Washington, D.C., opened its FOTOBAMA exhibit, showcasing the top 100 professional and amateur photographs selected from a field of more than 1,500 photos depicting the presidency of Barack Obama. Entries were solicited from around the world, the Newseum said. The exhibit is co-sponsored by Fotoweek DC.
www.newseum.org
Derksen Printers Ltd., a commercial printer and newspaper publisher in Canada, installed a Trendsetter News 70 thermal computer-to-plate machine from Kodak. Derksen is also using Kodak thermal plates and its Prinergy Evo workflow app.
www.graphics.kodak.com
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