Media24 has consolidated its business reporting across
the country into a single title which will now be produced centrally
and inserted in its various titles, writes Bate Felix.
The move follows the example of the Independent Group some years ago, which set up Business Report as a single business section for all their titles. Media24’s fused business section is to be called Sake24 and will be carried by Beeld, Die Burger and Volksblad.

Charles Naudé, national editor of Sake24, said: “The main benefit of this is the centralisation of production which will cut the cost of production and effectively manage the people, which we see as a milestone in covering business and financial news.”

It will also present one vehicle for national advertising, giving the paper greater bargaining power and reach, Naudé added.

Sake24 readers outside Gauteng stand to benefit most from this consolidation as they will be able to get more information than previously in their regional papers. The new title is an additional product which is bigger and better, said Naudé.

However, he added, the papers will not lose their regional flavour and diversity and they will still their own carry local stories.

Sake24 promises to offer up-to-date economic and business reports, including news on Africa, media and advertising, information and communications technology, property and the story behind the story.

Naudé said: “The world is getting smaller and discerning readers demand in-depth business news.”

The consolidated unit will have a 36 dedicated staff that includes some of the best business and financial journalists, sub-editors, photographers and design and layout people.

Naudé, who has 30 years’ experience in newspapers, said the team might grow in future.

To complement the print version, Sake24 will have a strong online presence with a revamped website where readers will be able to access up-to-the minute information online. “Many of our readers supplement their printed news with online content that can be verified and expanded upon throughout the day,” said Naudé.

Through the consolidated Sake24, Media24 is hoping to reach more than 650 000 readers through its various titles across the country.