Facebook subscriptions: Could Meta still be a friend for publishers?

One publisher trying out subscriptions on the platform thinks it could benefit others too.

Report by Charlotte Tobitt for Press Gazette

Facebook owner Meta has been “unfriending” news for more than two years, ending a long period of wooing the publishers who create much of the content shared by its users.

But while Meta may have stopped giving grants to publishers and sharing ad revenue with them, it may yet hold the key to selling online subscriptions for some titles.

Pulman’s Weekly News, a small newsbrand based in Axminster, Devon, now has more than 500 subscribers (of 1,700 Facebook followers in total) who pay £3.49 a month, less than a month after turning on Facebook subscriptions.

This suggests a total of at least £1,745 monthly from Facebook alone (Meta has said it is not taking fees on these transactions until at least the end of 2024.)

Owner Duncan Williams said: “I have always been an advocate of utilising Facebook and there is much good sense in being in the centre of today’s most popular digital arena, which is where the majority of our audience and readers already have account access, rather than expecting readers to create separate accounts on a standalone platform or paywall system.”

Williams has run Pulman’s Weekly News, founded in 1857, since 2018 when it closed in print. He previously made headlines when he bought West Country newspaper series View From for £1 two weeks after it was closed by by the previous owner but ended up being ruled personally responsible for hundreds of thousands owed to the group’s former employees and forced into bankruptcy.

Despite this experience Williams remains in local news and described working on Pulman’s as “very much a labour of love”.

“To be honest, my own family think I am crazy,” he said. “My younger brother has made a fortune in banking and thinks I am quite mad putting all my money into local media. But I still have a belief in this industry, and I always will.”

Pulman’s is also funded by a combination of Facebook advertorials, e-newsletters and providing social media design and management services for local businesses. Williams supplements it with his own freelance journalism and creating commercial videos for social media advertising.

Facebook subscribers to the Pulman’s page receive access to a dedicated subscriber discussion group, exclusive posts, videos including live broadcasts, photos and polls, a subscriber badge next to comments, and five highlighted featured comments a month on live videos.

Williams believes Facebook groups, often maintained by people prominent in their communities, are where many people now turn to for their local news in the absence of having reporters for every town and village. He described groups as “essentially the new local newspaper”.

A Charitable Journalism Project report published last year noted that Facebook was “by far the most important” social media service for local news information and that local pages and groups filled a gap in many communities. One focus group participant in Lewisham cited their local group and said it is the first place they look and “a lot of it’s trash to be honest, but a lot of it’s very useful”.

Williams feels that now a Facebook page “is actually of more value to a local publisher than a standalone website” and he has therefore been posting directly to the Pulman’s page for years rather than giving people a tease and asking them to click through – the website mimics a social media feed rather than having a traditional layout. He works with advertisers to accommodate them on the page itself and support this style of posting.

Williams said this had helped him pass the eligibility test as Meta wants people creating content specifically for the platform rather than primarily posting external links.

Facebook first introduced subscriptions, formerly known as fan subscriptions, in 2018. But they have never taken off among news publishers and may now represent an opportunity to claw something back from the platform.

To be eligible, a Facebook page must meet certain criteria including having either 10,000 followers or at least 250 return views. It must also have reached either 50,000 post engagements or 180,000 watch minutes in the previous 60 days, and be in compliance with Facebook’s monetisation policies.

Williams said: “I feel that as soon as this is made aware to most publishers, they will want to try it.”

Duncan Williams - media owner

According to the Reuters Institute Digital News Report this summer, Facebook does remain the most-used social media platform for news (17% in the UK) even though this is down from a peak of 28% in 2016.

Gen Z (currently aged up to 26) have particularly moved away from Facebook and towards Instagram, visual mobile-first media and then Tiktok since 2018.

But in a world where the platform makes up a sizeable amount of time spent yet referral traffic has plummeted and publishers nonetheless continue to post on the platform to stay in front of the Facebook native audience, topping up revenue with subscriptions from that crowd could be a nice added extra source – especially as Substack has shown people are willing to pay for a community and content they care about.

See Press Gazette -

https://pressgazette.co.uk/social_media/facebook-subscriptions-news-publishers/

A REMINDER OF THE EARTH'S CELESTIAL DANCE - ☀️🌙

Report by Duncan Williams @PulmansWeekly

The Summer Solstice, also known as the June Solstice or Midsummer, is an astronomical event that marks the longest day and shortest night of the year in the Northern Hemisphere. It occurs when the tilt of the Earth's axis is most inclined towards the Sun, resulting in the Sun reaching its highest point in the sky and providing the most daylight hours. In England, it falls on Wednesday, June 21, 2023, at precisely 3:57pm BST. The UK will enjoy 16 hours and 38 minutes of daylight.

Traditionally, the Summer Solstice has been celebrated by various cultures and civilisations throughout history. It holds great significance in many societies and is often associated with festivals, rituals, and customs. These celebrations often revolve around themes of renewal, abundance, fertility, and the power of the sun.

In ancient times, people would gather at sacred sites such as Stonehenge in England, Machu Picchu in Peru, and Chichen Itza in Mexico to observe and honour the Summer Solstice. These sites were believed to be aligned with the movements of the sun, and the solstice marked a pivotal moment in the agricultural calendar. People would come together to celebrate the abundance of the harvest season, offer prayers and sacrifices, and partake in joyous festivities.

In modern times, the Summer Solstice continues to be celebrated and cherished in various ways. Festivals and events are held around the world to commemorate this astronomical phenomenon. Some of the most famous celebrations in the UK include the Summer Solstice at Stonehenge or at Glastonbury Tor, where thousands of people gather to witness the sunrise and participate in ceremonies. In Sweden and other Nordic countries, Midsummer festivals are held, featuring maypole dancing, bonfires, and traditional folklore.

The Summer Solstice also holds significance for spiritual and new age communities. It is often seen as a time of spiritual awakening, personal growth, and connecting with nature's rhythms. Many individuals use this day as an opportunity to meditate, practice yoga, or engage in other mindful activities to harness the energy of the sun and set intentions for the coming season.

From a scientific perspective, the Summer Solstice is a reminder of the Earth's celestial dance. It marks the beginning of summer in the Northern Hemisphere, a season characterised by warmth, longer days, and vibrant nature. After the solstice, the days gradually become shorter as the Earth continues its orbit around the Sun, eventually leading to the arrival of autumn.

The Summer Solstice serves as a powerful reminder of the interconnectedness of humanity, nature, and the cosmos. It highlights our relationship with the Sun, which provides us with light, warmth, and sustenance. Whether celebrated through ancient traditions, modern festivals, or personal reflections, the Summer Solstice invites us to embrace the beauty of the natural world and celebrate the abundance and vitality of life.

Bumble Bee Myths: The Truth About Their Sting - 🐝

Report by Duncan Williams @PulmansWeekly

Bumble bees are fascinating insects that play an important role in pollinating flowering plants. However, they are often feared because of their sting. There is a popular belief that a bumble bee dies if it uses its stinger to string a person, but is there really any truth to this widely held belief? 

Firstly, it is important to understand the anatomy of a bumble bee. Like other bees, bumble bees have a stinger that is used for defense. The stinger is located at the end of the bee's abdomen and is connected to venom glands. When a bee stings, the stinger pierces the skin and injects venom into the victim. This venom can cause pain, swelling, and allergic reactions in some individuals.

The myth that a bumble bee dies after using its stinger is partly true, but it applies only to honey bees, not bumble bees. When a honey bee stings a person or animal, the stinger becomes lodged in the skin, and the bee cannot retract it. As a result, the bee's abdomen tears away from its body, leading to the bee's death. However, this is not the case for bumble bees.

Bumble bees have a different type of stinger than honey bees. Unlike honey bees, bumble bees can retract their stingers after stinging, allowing them to sting multiple times without dying. Moreover, bumble bees are less aggressive than honey bees, and they are less likely to sting unless they feel threatened or provoked.

In addition to the myth that bumble bees die after using their stingers, there are other misconceptions about these insects. For example, some people believe that bumble bees are more dangerous than honey bees because their stingers are longer. However, the length of a bee's stinger has little to do with the severity of its sting. The venom that a bee injects is what causes the reaction, not the length of its stinger.

Another myth is that bumble bees are attracted to bright colours. While it is true that bees are attracted to flowers with bright colours, they are not attracted to clothing or other objects that are brightly coloured. Bees are more interested in the scent of flowers than the colour, so wearing perfume or scented lotions may attract their attention more than bright clothing.

It is important to understand and educate ourselves regarding the differences between these two types of bees and to recognise the important role that bumble bees play in pollinating our plants. By dispelling myths and learning the truth about these insects, we can appreciate them for the remarkable creatures they are.

How regional newsrooms can use AI to protect the ‘lifeblood of local journalism’

Regional journalism experts appear optimistic generative AI can help their snowed-under newsrooms.

By João Santos for Press Gazette 

A WAN-IFRA survey has found that half of newsrooms are already deploying generative AI in some form or another.

Large language models quickly garnered the attention of Reach, Buzzfeed, Conde Nast and other publishers across the globe over the past six months for its potential to streamline editorial processes.

In particular the free-to-access ChatGPT has fast shown its potential to reinvent the way content is produced and journalism is done. But in local news outlets hard-pressed for time and staff, is the adoption of AI likely to be an opportunity or a threat?

AI vs the humans in local journalism

A number of UK regional news publishers have already realised that AI-generated news stories could free up journalists to concentrate on more meaningful reporting.

Duncan Williams, the managing director and proprietor of Pulman’s Weekly News in south east Devon, said: “AI has got huge advantages to help journalists, particularly in the regional sector, but it’s not yet at a level where it’s going to be able to write nitty-gritty stories.”

Rather, he said he believes the more in-depth stories produced by human journalists will carry increased significance. He wrote an op-ed in his newspaper last month emphasising the importance of human bylines for trust.

“As an editor, I would not dream of publishing a story by someone I did know the name of or who was not a trusted and credible human source,” he said. “Bylines not only protect my readers, but they also hold journalists accountable for their work.”

Dr Joy Jenkins, an assistant professor of Journalism at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville, has worked extensively on how new technologies can be sustainably introduced into local industries.

She said: “AI can be used on more basic types of reporting in order to free up journalists to do the more investigative, in-depth types of stories they’d like to do but don’t always have the time and resources to produce.”

Eliz Mizon, a media writer and communications lead at Bristol Cable, believes AI could help local journalists carry out important “institutional accountability and community cohesion” roles, potentially reversing a trend that has seen around 300 local newspaper title closures since 2005 and left others hanging by a thread.

Will AI help or hurt regional journalist numbers?

A recurring worry that crops up in discussions of AI and news is whether the technology will end up replacing journalists, particularly in light of the economic headwinds that have encouraged many publishers to lay off staff in the past year.

Jody Doherty-Cove, Newsquest‘s special projects editor, is currently at the forefront of developing, coding and implementing AI tools for over 180 newsrooms across the UK, having just helped the Gannett-owned publisher establish its first AI reporter positions.

He explained: “A common misconception in the public discourse is the notion that AI, like some malevolent force, is poised to supplant human journalists in a ruthless bid to cut costs.

“Local journalism is a craft that requires investigation, relationship building, and nuanced understanding – elements that no machine, no matter how sophisticated, can truly replicate.”

Dr Jenkins agreed, explaining that AI should be seen as a “really affordable and helpful” tool which, if used properly, can be an “extremely effective way for local journalism to maximise its resources”.

Pulman’s owner Williams added: “It would streamline both the numbers of staff required to run our titles in an economic fashion and also the actual revenue streams that are the lifeblood of local journalism.”

This is the approach that Kallum Gethins, managing director at Dorset News and editor at View From Weymouth, has taken when incorporating AI into the running of both publications.

“If we find a story, we gather the facts, make a short sentence and then bring that into the AI software which produces a three to four-paragraph article, we proofread it and publish it,” he said. “The whole process takes about ten minutes.”

Much like the advent of social media and citizen journalism, AI could therefore lower the barrier of entry into the industry, making quality and consistency more affordable.

Gethins said: “I think that all organisations should implement AI because it could help their business massively, especially if the organisation is brand new and can’t afford journalists. For instance, we probably won’t be using AI-originated content in the long term and will look for potential journalists to join our franchise.”

The challenges ahead for AI in local journalism

As automation seeps into the media industry, the utility of AI in local journalism could be as far-reaching as the industry demands.

As well as editorial tasks, Dorset News’ Gethins has begun using different AI software engines for administrative work, for example producing email templates suited to potential investors and creating budget plans.

Automation could magnify the results of advertising campaigns and help integrate local papers more fully into social media, something which, Dr Jenkins explained, has been a historical struggle for many publications.

However there are considerable challenges to overcome before AI can be fully integrated into journalism in a way that is both ethical and practical.

Doherty-Cove said: “We must ensure that AI-generated content does not escape the watchful eyes of human editors who, with human oversight and rigorous fact-checking, can ensure AI-generated content meets their exacting requirements.”

Chatbots such as ChatGPT rely on what the user feeds into it, as the data on which they were trained is in some cases out-of-date. This means the fundamental newsgathering framework which leads to a fully-fledged story is, for the moment, outside the purview of generative AI programmes.

But as Dr David Ryfe, a professor and director at the School of Journalism and Media at the University of Texas at Austin, put it: “Clay Shirky wrote over a decade ago that it is much faster to lose something than to build something else to stand in its place. That is what is happening to local journalism.”

Source: https://pressgazette.co.uk/publishers/regional-newspapers/how-regional-newsrooms-can-use-ai-to-protect-the-lifeblood-of-local-journalism/

HUMAN BYLINES NOW MATTER MORE THAN EVER TO HELP SAFEGUARD JOURNALISM - 📰🗞️ 🤖

Report from the Editor's Desk by Duncan Williams 

In the evolving world of modern journalism, where artificial intelligence (AI) and algorithms are gaining prominence, it is crucial to remember the irreplaceable value of the human touch. In an era where information spreads rapidly, it is more important than ever for those of us who are journalists to provide a byline for our written content. By acknowledging the human source behind the news, we can protect and uphold trust, integrity, and the indispensable role of professional journalism.

This is no longer just an ego driven need to see one's own name in print, it is now a necessity for safeguarding the core value of our once highly respected profession. A human author signing off their work could soon be akin to a hallmark embedded on a gold bar. Is it real or is it alloyed with AI? If you wrote it, believe in it, then please do say so. Sign your own byline!

Artificial intelligence has undoubtedly transformed the field of journalism. Automated news algorithms can generate stories at an unprecedented speed, sifting through vast amounts of data to create news pieces within seconds. This technological advancement offers efficiency and convenience, but it also presents challenges that cannot be ignored by any responsible news publisher.

While AI algorithms excel at processing data, they lack the essential human judgment and discernment required to verify sources, analyse context, and interpret complex events accurately. Good journalists, on the other hand, should bring with themselves unique critical thinking, experience, and a code of ethics, allowing us to investigate, validate, and present information in a responsible manner.

Bylines serve as a symbolic representation of accountability, giving credit and recognition to the journalists responsible for their work. When readers see a byline, they know that a human being with expertise and integrity has vetted the information. The byline acts as a beacon of trust, signalling that the story has undergone rigorous checks and balances to ensure its accuracy, fairness, and impartiality.

In an age where fake news and misinformation proliferate, bylines provide a necessary defence against manipulation and deception. Knowing the identity of the journalist behind a piece of news allows readers to establish a connection and gauge the credibility of the source. It encourages responsible reporting and discourages the spread of disinformation that can erode trust in media institutions.

As an editor, I would not dream of publishing a story by someone I did know the name of or who was not a trusted and credible human source. Bylines not only protect my readers, but they also hold journalists accountable for their work. 

All of the excellent journalists I work with today are bound by their professional reputation, and a byline serves as a public acknowledgment of their commitment to accuracy and integrity. This recognition can motivate journalists to adhere to rigorous ethical standards and provide accurate, well-researched content.

Bylines can also play a crucial role in promoting diversity and recognising expertise within the field of journalism. When journalists are attributed for their work, it allows readers to identify patterns, perspectives, and biases that may influence reporting. Bylines encourage the inclusion of diverse voices, ensuring a broader range of experiences and opinions are represented in news coverage.

During my early career, I researched many lurid tabloid scoops and learned very quickly how important it was, at the death, to get a story to stand up. Later, working within the somewhat different world of Christian media publishing, occasionally interviewing influential people about their religious views, I was required to give even greater attention to detail and accuracy. Yes, the devil is indeed in the detail. I would religiously check and double check those quotes and comments. Quotes cannot be conjured up by a computer.

Today, in a welcome return to secular news reporting, busy working as an editor in the UK regional press, I still believe in the importance of standing up and being seen, being transparent, and not hiding behind an anonymous byline. 

Yes, I am a human being. I make mistakes but I want to write, edit and publish news that means something real, that really connects with other human beings. My readers aren't robots. They don't deserve to be given data written by robots. Even less opinions written by them.

As AI technology continues to rapidly reshape the landscape of journalism, the importance of this human element must not be forgotten. 

Bylines are not mere signatures; they are a testament to the trust, integrity, and accountability of the journalism profession. They remind us that human journalists and editors, like myself, must play an indispensable role in verifying sources, critically analysing information, and providing accurate and reliable news. In this brave new world of artificial intelligence that we find ourselves living in, let us embrace the power of bylines and preserve the essential values that uphold trust, responsibility and integrity in modern journalism.

Tories and Lib Dems defend local press mimicry after editor’s ‘dirty tricks’ jibe

Report by David Sharman for HTFP

The Conservative Party and Liberal Democrats have defended their mimicry of local newspapers following a publisher’s fresh criticism of the practice.

Duncan Williams has hit out at what he called “dirty tricks” after discovering the Tories are running a pamphlet called the Tiverton and Honiton Telegraph, while the Liberal Democrats are also posting a title called the Devon News Courier through doors.

Duncan’s criticism has prompted the Tories to defend the tactic nationally, claiming readers will not “be under any illusions that it’s from a political party.”

Duncan owns historic South-East Devon title Pulman’s Weekly News, which he is currently running as an online news aggregation service.

He said: “The recent dirty tricks used by some political parties, who print and publish one-off, pseudo local newspapers, filled with biased coverage in favour of their own candidates, is unacceptable and deceptive.

“Be wary of these fake papers, if they are ever pushed through your letterbox, I suggest you bin them.

“They are particularly galling to those of us working in the genuine news industry, who know too well the struggles involved in keeping a real newspaper brand alive and kicking.”

In response, a spokesman for the Conservatives said: “Any literature from the party has to clearly state that it is from the party.

“I don’t think people who read them will be under any illusions that it’s from a political party.”

A Lib Dem spokesperson added: “All our campaigning literature in Devon makes clear they are from the Liberal Democrats on the front page.

“Having a strong local media plays a critical role in holding those in power to account and we will continue to work closely with local newspapers.”

HTFP reported last month how Hereford Times editor John Wilson had succeeded in getting local Tories on his patch to pledge to discontinue the practice after criticised the North Herefordshire Conservative Association for publishing a pamphlet under the name ‘Herefordshire Champion’.

John’s criticism prompted a U-turn by the Association, which had initially defended the practice on the grounds that CCHQ had offered local branches predetermined templates for pamphlets ahead of May’s elections.

https://www.holdthefrontpage.co.uk/2023/news/editor-hits-out-at-tory-and-lib-dem-dirty-tricks-amid-fresh-local-press-mimicry/

HAVE YOU EVER CONSIDERED OPENING UP A FARM SHOP? 🧺🥚 🍅 🍞 🍖 🍾

Farm shops have become increasingly popular in recent years, as consumers become more interested in buying fresh, organic, locally produced food. For some West Country farmers, a farm shop could be a great way to sell their products directly to consumers, while also supporting the local economy. In this article, Pulman's Weekly News explores how our farmers could launch their own farm shop and make it a success.

Step 1: Identify Your Products and Market

The first step in launching a successful farm shop is to identify the products you want to sell and the market you want to target. You may already have a good idea of what products you want to sell, but it's worth doing some market research to ensure that there is demand for your products in your local area.

In addition to the products you grow or raise on your farm, you may also want to consider selling other locally produced goods, such as cheese, bread, or honey. This can help you to offer a wider range of products and attract more customers.

Step 2: Choose a Location

The next step is to choose a location for your farm shop. Ideally, you want a location that is easily accessible for customers and has plenty of parking. You may also want to consider a location that is visible from the road, as this can help to attract passing trade.

If you have an existing farm building that you can convert into a shop, this can be a good option. Alternatively, you may want to consider seeking planning permission and building a new shop on your farm or renting a space in a nearby town or village.

Step 3: Develop a Business Plan

Before you launch your farm shop, it's important to develop a business plan. This should include details on your products, your target market, your pricing strategy, and your marketing plan.

We are very fortunate in East Devon, South Somerset and West Dorset to have a ready supply of visitors during the holiday seasons. These tourists can make very good customers. But outside of these potential boom months, will the number of local shoppers be enough to keep the business afloat? Remember to bear this in mind when doing your business plan.

You'll also need to consider your other costs, such as rent, utilities, and staff wages, as well as your projected revenue. This will help you to determine whether your farm shop is financially viable and identify any potential challenges or risks.

Step 4: Obtain the Necessary Permits and Licenses

Once you have a business plan in place, you'll need to obtain the necessary permits and licenses to operate your farm shop. This may include a food handler's permit, a retail license, insurance and necessary safety certificates.

You'll also need to ensure that your products comply with any relevant food safety regulations and labelling requirements.

Step 5: Set Up Your Shop

With your permits and licenses in place, you can start setting up your farm shop. This may include purchasing equipment, such as refrigerators and display cases, as well as shelving, signage, and other decor to make your shop attractive and welcoming to customers.

When setting up your shop, it's important to consider the layout and flow of the space. You want to make sure that customers can easily navigate the shop and find what they're looking for. You may also want to consider offering samples of your products to encourage customers to try them.

Step 6: Market Your Farm Shop

Finally, you'll need to market your farm shop to attract customers. This may include advertising in local newspapers, websites or on social media, hosting events or tastings, and reaching out to local businesses and organisations to offer your products.

You may also want to consider offering loyalty programmes or discounts to encourage repeat customers, as well as online ordering and delivery to reach customers who may not be able to visit your shop in person.

All in all, launching a farm shop could be a great way for West Country farmers to sell their products directly to consumers and support the local economy. By following these steps and developing a clear plan, farmers can start thinking about ways to create a successful and profitable farm shop that meets the needs of their target market and provides a unique and valuable rural shopping experience for customers.

WHY I AM WARY OF BECOMING TOO WOKE - 😳

As a former tabloid journalist and now editor of Pulman's Weekly News, I have always been mindful of the impact my words and actions might have on others. However, in today's "woke" culture, it sometimes feels like the goalposts are constantly shifting, and it can be hard to know what is considered acceptable.

One potential risk is the phenomenon of "cancel culture," where individuals are publicly shamed and ostracised for expressing views or engaging in behaviours deemed offensive or harmful by certain groups. While I believe it's important to call out genuine instances of harm or discrimination, cancel culture can also be a blunt instrument that shuts down debate and stifles free expression.

So how might I find myself on the wrong side of woke culture? It could be as simple as expressing a controversial opinion on social media, or using humour or irony that is misinterpreted by some as offensive. It could be participating in an event or organisation that others deem problematic, or even associating with individuals who have been "cancelled" themselves.

Of course, the tricky thing about cancel culture is that it often operates in a highly subjective and unpredictable way. What one person considers a harmless joke, another might see as deeply offensive. What one group deems a legitimate expression of free speech, another might label as hate speech.

All of this can be daunting, but I believe the key is to stay true to one's own values and principles, while also being receptive to feedback and willing to learn from others. It's important to engage in thoughtful dialogue and debate, rather than simply writing off anyone who disagrees with us.

At the end of the day, we all have a responsibility to be mindful of the impact our words and actions have on others, and to strive for a more inclusive and just society. But we also need to be careful not to let cancel culture become a form of censorship that shuts down important conversations and stifles the diversity of viewpoints that are essential to a healthy democracy.

Report by Duncan Williams @PulmansWeekly

Pulman's Award sponsors online learning

We have always been so much more than just a community media brand... During the age of the internet, particularly during covid lock-downs, we have been delighted to introduce more people to online learning.

GEORGE PULMAN - VICTORIAN MEDIA MAN

- Remembering a rural publishing pioneer who was also a committed Christian.

Many West Country communities know the name George Pulman well. He is considered something of a Victorian media mogul who founded Pulman's Weekly News way back in 1857.

His media brands continued to be a prolific news source for over 150 years throughout the prime agricultural counties of Devon, Dorset and Somerset.

Pulman's news was always renowned for its reliability and trustworthiness. What was published by Pulman's journalists could be considered as being true.

What people may not know is that George Pulman was also a lifelong committed Christian who worshipped regularly at his local town church in Axminster, Devon.

To help rouse local attendance, George would enthusiastically play the church organ on a Sunday morning. There he went on to meet and marry his young wife, who was likewise drawn to become a regular member of the same Axminster congregation.

Throughout his life he believed in the importance of building community: through Church, rural life and local news. He always upheld values of truth and helped give voice to many West Country causes and concerns that might otherwise have been cast aside and forgotten.

Journalism was a task that required the utmost responsibility and was a profession treated with great respect.

So in today's era of fake news and political propaganda, perhaps it is time to remember the values of one of the news media's earliest pioneers.

A man of faith who built a regional media empire in the wake of the industrial revolution which lasted through multiple generations.

The 'Pulman's Award' and bursary continues to uphold the same values of George Pulman and is open for nominations throughout the year.

George Philip Rigney Pulman: 1819 - 1880

Publisher liable for money owed to journalists still plans to reopen weeklies

Report by David Sharman for HoldTheFrontPage

A publisher at the centre of a row over a series of local newspapers which ceased publication in January has reiterated his determination to reopen them over time.

Duncan Williams, left, bought the View From titles, which cover areas of Dorset, Devon and Somerset, in January following their closure by previous owner, Sunday Independent publisher Peter Masters.

A court has since ruled Mr Williams is liable for money owed to a group of 28 former View From employees who were made redundant when the titles ceased publication.

But he has restated his intention to appeal the decision and says he is still working to get the eight View From titles as well as Axminster-based Pulman’s Weekly News reopened, although he accepts this will not happen in one go.

As part of the relaunch plan, he has set up a video news channel entitled View News which also aims to offer a PR service to local businesses, converting press releases into videos which would then be carried on the newspapers’ social media channels and websites.

The View From titles served towns and villages including Beaminster, Bridport, Dorchester, Lyme Regis, Weymouth, Seaton, Honiton and South Somerset, while Pulman’s Weekly News covered Axminster.

Said Duncan: “The titles will all be brought back incrementally. As they have been traditionally free, budgets need to be securely in place first off before relaunching the entire portfolio in one fell swoop.

“Revenues from video advertising and social media are designed to enable this.”

Duncan added: “Despite the recent controversy surrounding their acquisition, I remain very happy indeed with the Pulman’s Weekly News brand.

“Their founder George Pulman was an influential Christian publisher of the Victorian era whose vision I much admire and whose community values are certainly part of what makes local media so vital to regions.

“Likewise, I remain delighted with the View News series, which I know have suffered from sharply declining advertising revenues, repeat closures, rumpuses and relaunches. However, the technology upgrades I have personally invested in are hoping to remedy this.

“To be clear to all of my investors, banks and advertising agencies: I have no intention whatsoever of going bankrupt. The employment tribunal decision will be appealed.”

Tribunal rules job loss workers are entitled to £250k

Reported by Hamish Marshall for BBC Spotlight

Hamish Marshall 

Two dozen workers in Devon and Dorset have won their case to get an estimated £250,000 they're owed - nine months after losing their jobs.

"The View From" series of newspapers, which included Axminster, Lyme Regis and Weymouth, was closed and then sold by Cornish businessman Peter Masters in January.

An employment tribunal has ruled new owner Duncan Williams is now responsible for the staff wages, notice and redundancy payments.

A hearing will be held next year to decide how much each worker - including journalists and sales executives - is entitled to.

The government will foot the bill if Mr Williams declares himself bankrupt.

He has told the BBC he intends to appeal the decision.

Media director found personally responsible for money owed to axed journalists

If Duncan Williams declares bankruptcy, claims for money will be transferred to the secretary of state

A REPORT BY ANITA MERRITT FOR CORNWALL LIVE

A Cornwall media director has been found personally liable to pay money owned to employees after he spent £1 to purchase a news organisation they were made redundant from before he acquired it.

A judgement delivered today at an employment tribunal concluded the former boss of the View From series, Peter Masters, chairman of Truro City Football Club, who made all staff redundant on January 4 due to the titles ceasing publication, was not liable for claims of staff still awaiting pay in lieu of notice, redundancy money and arrears of pay.

The decision heard at Exeter Combined Court stated that as media director Duncan Williams had bought the titles, which cover areas of Dorset, Devon and Somerset, on January 16, all right, powers, duties and liabilities had transferred to him rather than his limited company.

Mr Williams, who did not attend the two-day hearing, had stated he only purchased the intellectual property rights for the brands.

The 28 claimants will now attend a further hearing next March to determine how much money is owed to them. If Mr Williams declares bankruptcy, claims for money will be transferred to the secretary of state.

Duncan Williams

In July 2017, Peter Masters, owner of Cornwall-based Sunday Independent, announced the acquisition of the eight papers in the ‘View From’ series.

In January, Mr Masters, the sole shareholder, sold the Your View series to Mr Williams for £1, and resigned as director.

Evidence was given to support Mr Williams's intention to continue the business.

Employment judge Nicholas Roper said Vibe Marketing Group Ltd, which Mr Williams is the director of, was a ‘shell company’ and nothing more than a trading name. It means he is legally the employer and personally responsible.

He concluded Mr Williams is personally liable for claims of unfair dismissal and statutory redundancy payment. He is jointly liable with Vibe Marketing for pension deductions.

Peter Masters

Liable for a further claim of unlawful pension deductions from July 2017, which saw payments taken but not put into a work pension scheme, is Vibe Marketing.

One of the claimants is making a claim of unfair dismissal in December 2017, before the publication ceased printing, stating no verbal or written reason was provided.

Mr Williams runs independent news and marketing service the Poole Post. He is also a commercial development consultant with News Group Ltd and a director of Vibe Marketing.

Mr Williams launched a crowdfunding bid, with a target of £85,000, to revive the series of closed weekly newspapers.

At the time of the takeover, Mr Williams said an “accountants audit” would take place before any long-term decisions were made about the future of the publications.

The View From titles serve Beaminster, Bridport, Dorchester, Lyme Regis, Weymouth, Seaton, Honiton and South Somerset, while Pulman’s Weekly News serves Axminster.

The series was previously based in Lyme Regis.

Speaking after the tribunal, Mr Williams said: "I have no intention of going bankrupt. I was taken aback by the judge's decision as I had been told beforehand that this was a preliminary hearing to clarify issues that took place at the Westcountry newspaper group long before I became involved with it.

"I am appealing the Exeter court's decision and I am not seeking intervention from the Secretary of State."

Media Director Found Personally Responsible

SOUTH WEST HERITAGE CENTRE ADDS NEWS WEEKLIES

South West Heritage Centre in Taunton has gratefully received a vast archive of carefully catalogued and restored local newspapers that have covered the surrounding areas for decades. 

Part time media and community lecturer Duncan Williams (pictured above) says: "Regional newspapers record life in local towns in a way that creates a valuable historic testimony of rural life. While national newspapers are more focus on forging opinion leader articles, the regional press chronicles, the often fascinating detail, of daily living."

Many of the titles are out out of print, which adds to their interest.

The Pulman's Weekly News series, which served the West Country, was first launched way back in 1857.

George Philip Rigney Pulman

The Pulman's Weekly News and Advertiser series were founded in England in 1857 by Axminster born George Pulman. (His name is often mistakenly confused with the American railroad pioneer.)

The Pulman's series are important records of a prolific Victorian era press group that went on to span multiple decades and bridge three consecutive centuries.

Over the years the Pulman's titles expanded across East Devon, West Dorset and South Somerset and were published by a succession of newspaper owners.

In 2012 the papers morphed into the Pulman's View From series, covering predominantly the same areas as before and, in keeping with the times, developed an online presence.

In 2018, following a decade of repeat financial problems, administrations and closures, the titles were bought out through a crowdfunding initiative.

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"We are very pleased to announce the launch of the new 'Pulman's Award', a prize and trophy* given to West Country individuals, or groups, who encourage the spirit of good communication, educational endeavour or community service that our founder, George P. R. Pulman embodied."

Duncan Williams, on behalf of
Pulman's Weekly News Group

More about George Philip Rigney Pulman

*Sponsorship opportunities and nominations now open.