To say the 150-year-old Molong Express has been doing it tough would be an understatement, but following floods, and a succession of family tragedies including the death of its editor owner, the paper has emerged stronger than ever.
Alistair Finlay says reviving the NSW masthead is one of the most important things he has done: “Not only does it eliminate a news desert and return a 150-year-old paper to its community, but it’s about taking control of our lives and trying to do it differently,” he told readers of the paper in New South Wales’ Central West’s Cabonne shire.
“To get this point I’ve had infinite help from amazing people – personally and professionally: Your guidance, support and love every step of the way has made all the difference,” he posted online.
Finlay is a former Star News editor, involved with the group’s acquisition of the Swan Hill Guardian and associated Victorian papers. Previously he had been launch editor of the Ballarat Times, Bendigo Times and related Times News Group titles.
His Grassroots Media acquired the Molong Express in June from Rozzi Smith, who had revived it after a succession of family tragedies including the premature death of her partner, publisher Paul Mullins, led to a year-long hiatus.
The Express – which celebrated its 150th anniversary in October – has been returned to weekly publication, and is now supported by a digital edition, expanding its reach across Molong, Manildra, Yeoval, Cumnock, Cudal, Canowindra, Cargo, and Eugowra. Surrounding the NSW city of Orange on three sides, Cabonne has a population of 13,500.
Technology has also been upgraded, with a ‘go-live’ of Pongrass’ advertising order entry and page planning solutions, including integration with Xero accounts.
Pongrass publishing software specialist Luke Carpenter said the integrated workflow streamlines advertising bookings and page planning, with the Xero integration helping to reduce double handling. “It’s great to see another regional Australian publisher using our solutions to simplify their day-to-day publishing workflow,” he said.
Carpenter is also a local publisher in his own right, as co-owner – with his wife Tanzie – of NSW Central Coast-based On The Coast Publications in 2021. Their On the Coast – Families magazine launched in 2002 and was followed in 2014 by an edition for Over-55s.
Pongrass has also announced direct integration of its editorial CMS with EPA Images, providing a direct link to the editorial photography source.
Top: Alastair Finlay, pictured from his Facebook page