What was your first job in the newspaper business?

A compositor, in what is now know as prepress.

What do you like most about your job?

Too many to list, but problem solving with the production team and executive management team are probably top of my list. We have such talented people within our organization that make work a pleasure.

 

What do you like least?

Procrastinators. They can be like a silent killer to an organization. Fortunately, they are rare within our organization.

What was The Edmonton Journal’s most recent purchase/installation?

We installed computer-to-plate in 2005. We purchased two Trendsetter 200s from Creo (now Kodak). Coupled to the Trendsetters are Glunz & Jensen ovens and processor, supplied by Southern Lithoplate, our plate vendor. Our plate benders are fully automated “on command” units from Burgess Industries.

We made the move to CTP as we saw many benefits for our newspaper to improve the quality of our product, streamline our digital workflow and maintain our competitive edge for top quality color reproduction. Purchasing from the above-mentioned vendors was a decision to partner with first-class companies in their field of expertise.

What is the biggest challenge The Edmonton Journal is facing in production?

Meeting the needs of our insert customers.

We formed a group to study all options. This group included representation from advertising, reader service and production departments. I am currently working with our publisher to review which of the several options presented we wish to implement.

What trend are you keeping your eye on?

Our online presence. The future has arrived and this part of our business is growing and has many new and exciting opportunities for our readers, advertisers and our staff.

If you know anyone you think should be featured in Short Run, please contact Tara McMeekin at 303.575.9595 or by e-mail at: tmcmeekin@newsandtech.com