Earlier this week I had a long overdue meeting with a group of our newsagents to try and iron out a number of issues and explain our strategy for the future.

Along with colleagues from newspaper sales I explained that last week was a major milestone in the history of the Keighley News. For the first time every element of the newspaper was produced on-site.

In fairness to the newsagents, in the build up to this technological achievment, we have had problems and this has delayed the delivery of the newspapers to them. Their patience has been astonishing and I am so grateful to them for standing by us.

The meeting also gave me an insight into the lifestyles and difficulties faced by the traditional newsagents who are facing increased competition from other outlets. One comment which registered was a statement that people these days are too lazy to walk to the local shop and prefer to drive to the nearest garage where they can pick up a paper.

The success story in the media industry at the moment is the increasing sales of local newspapers. I know you would expect me to say that, but it is true. Newsagents are a vital part of our distribution network. Their main selling point is that the majority of them deliver papers to your door in all weathers.

I take this opportunity of once again saying a huge thank you to all who distribute the KN and KN Midweek.

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.