AFTER almost 170 years of operation in Paterson Street, The Examiner this weekend shifts to new premises in Cimitiere Street.
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It’s a move that will take place overnight on Sunday, between shifts so printing of the newspaper will not be disrupted.
Technological change has driven the move.
With The Examiner keenly leading regional media in multi-platform access to news to complement traditional newsprint, production and office space needs have changed greatly in the past five years.
The move, overseen by IT manager Michael Roberts, affects 110 employees. It also has involved putting the Paterson Street premises on the market.
‘‘It’s a huge move,’’ says commercial media manager Dan Ryan.
‘‘The Examiner is an iconic brand in Northern Tasmania, it is the third oldest surviving newspaper in Australia and every generation alive today has only known it operating from 71-75 Paterson Street.’’
Many staff members gained their first look at their new second-storey offices at Cimitiere House only this week during technology training sessions. There will be ground-level counter service for community inquiries and the placement of classified advertising.
The Sunday Examiner will publish a 40-page supplement tracking the history of The Examiner at Paterson Street.
In an interview for the supplement former general manager of The Examiner Phil Leersen explained how he was the architect for the move.
‘‘What we were working with at Paterson Street didn’t fit the purpose of a switched-on, modern media enterprise,’’ he said.
‘‘It became obvious that Paterson Street just didn’t fit the vision of Fairfax Media as a multi-media company in the 21st century.
‘‘As much as we could respect its great history and connection for the Launceston community, no matter how we evaluated our options it just didn’t fit.’’
While various sites were considered, Fairfax Media settled on Cimitiere House as The Examiner’s ‘‘ideal’’ new home, recognised widely for its environmentally savvy five-star energy efficiencies.
Editor Mark Baker anticipates it will be ‘‘business as usual’’ when editorial staff arrive at work on Monday.
‘‘Tuesday’s paper will be the first to be put together at our new premises – new technology to get used to, new ways of working,’’ Mr Baker said.
‘‘Change can be challenging, but it will also be very exciting.
‘‘The Examiner is entering a new era of its history with this relocation.
‘‘It is an exciting era driven by innovation and a desire for The Examiner to remain a media leader in delivering content to its loyal community as quickly as possible.’’
The 40-page supplement, Moving with the times: Our history your stories, includes interviews with former editors, former chief executive Lloyd Whish-Wilson, and Noel Shaw, who is the longest-serving, remaining staff member with 60 years’ editorial service.