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Prospective buyers ‘looking at’ cuts-threatened weekly claims union

IAn AustinProspective buyers are currently looking at a cuts-threatened weekly, the National Union of Journalists has claimed.

The union says  it is working on alternative plans to the redundancies proposed by Trinity Mirror at the Black Country Bugle, while it is understood potential new owners are considering purchasing the newspaper.

As reported by HTFP earlier this month, three out of five Bugle staff are at risk of redundancy, including editor John Butterworth, while editorial production of the paper would move 32 miles away to Tamworth under the proposals.

John previously told HTFP he was in consultation discussing alternative ideas to the redundancy plan “for the sake of the Bugle and its staff”, while Black Country MPs have also called for the newspaper to remain “in the heart” of the region.

Ian Austin, David Winnick, John Spellar, Rob Marris, Valerie Vaz, Adrian Bailey and Emma Reynolds have already written to TM chief executive Simon Fox to express their support for the paper.

The next round of staff consultations is on Tuesday and Mr Austin, pictured above left, is meeting the NUJ chapel today.

He has tabled an early day motion in parliament which reads: “That this House opposes the decision to move the offices of the Black Country Bugle newspaper from Dudley to Tamworth; recognises the Bugle’s popularity with the million people it reaches across the Black Country; celebrates the contribution the Bugle makes in highlighting the best of the Black Country and the region’s history as the birthplace of the industrial revolution; and urges Trinity Mirror to pause its plans and to consult on saving jobs and keeping the paper in the heart of the Black Country.”

Chris Morley, NUJ Northern and Midlands organiser, said: “Since Trinity Mirror revealed its plan to slash staff at the Black Country Bugle and take it out of the area, the support for looking for a more workable and positive solution for all has been growing.

“Key players in the four Black Country boroughs are getting behind the NUJ’s call to keep the Bugle where it belongs – in the Black Country.

“I have held a number of discussions that suggest a better way forward is possible and that is what I will be pursuing with vigour with the company.

“There is a great business and future waiting to burst out from the Bugle and with goodwill and good sense this can happen.”

HTFP has asked Trinity Mirror for a comment.

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  • May 23, 2016 at 9:43 am
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    Fingers crossed for new ownership. Best of luck to everyone involved.

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