Current Edition >> Archives Section >> Editorial Comments >> 1 - 15 July 2003

Editorial comments

As a result of changing demands for a developmentally driven newspaper such as The Business Bulletin, it has been decided to restructure the format of the newspaper as from 1 July to a specific Free State-focused newspaper, to the Free State Business Bulletin. Therefore the focus henceforth is exclusively on business and development in the Free State province, while the distribution is redirected accordingly. The main factors prompting this change are

• Since we are Bloemfontein-based, our focus will henceforth be on our immediate surroundings, rendering a better and more personal service.
• We want to serve our nearest clients better by adapting our distribution so that Free State advertisers get better response.
• The focus on SMME's has shifted from national to provincial level. It is now on provincial level where things for the SMME sector are happening and consequently where we are focussing.

Some far-flung distribution points in other provinces will not be covered anymore, but we will still be available in adjacent areas like Kimberley, Colesberg, Klerksdorp, Potchefstroom, Vanderbijlpark, Vereeniging and selectively in the leading economic province, Gauteng. While our number of printed copies stays the same, viz. 20 000, it will now be distributed much more intensely in our area of distribution. Amongst the with-it new features of our new format, especially the following should be noted by advertisers:

• Our policy to provide in addition free news-breaking editorial to our advertisers discuss it with us !
• The Internet-extended advertising available in the unique Business Index on www.bulletinonline.co.za - the website of the Free State Business Bulletin.
• We print only full colour and our advertising tariffs are excellent value for money - check for yourself, making sure you compare apples with apples.

Natuurlik is ons tweetalig, met 'n volwaardige inslag in borrelende Afrikaans ! Eya, re hlompha hape puo ya boraro e buang haholo Freistata e leng Sesotho ! Finally, this newspaper has only one mission and that is to serve. As for business and development in the Free State, it is there to be used. We therefore call upon all stakeholders and roleplayers - in the public sector, in the private sector and individuals - to take co-ownership of the newspaper and to synergize with us in our common best interest.