After the scandalous events of the past week and the closure of The News of the World on Sunday, the phone hacking story has left things very up in the air for PR’s and journalists. Whether you support the paper, despise those involved or otherwise, if you work in the media it’s going to have an effect on you in one way or another.
Fabulous, the glossy lifestyle supplement that came with the News of the World is to continue on as part of The Sun, a ‘much respected publication’ as stated by the journalist I spoke to. But will it bring its baggage with it?
Will people shy away from advertising or taking part in features because of its history? Should we let it start-up a new life and put the past to rest? I’d be interested to know what you think? We’ve spoken to people who were due to take part in features who have stepped down because they don’t want to be seen to be supporting the magazine. Others prefer to look on the positive side and take a view that it’s a well read publication and will get the exposure they’re after.
On the other side, there are many, many innocent freelancers affected by the changes – trying to sell in stories to other publications, trying to get feature candidates on board – offering higher fees to encourage the wary.
Have you made a decision not to work with Fabulous Magazine, or maybe The Sun or even the entire News International group? Do you feel that it is a long-term decision or is just allowing you to make a better judgement while the dust settles?
Are you a journalist affected by the aftermath? Would be really interested in your views.
