-The Anderson (S.C.) Independent-Mail last month reduced its size, converting from a conventional broadsheet 21.75-inches high and 11.5 inches wide to a format measuring 15.5 inches tall and 11.5 inches wide. To produce the size, the Independent-Mail runs a 31-inch-wide web through its Goss International Corp. Urbanite press and then folds it in half. The move is expected to save the daily some $400,000 in annual newsprint expenditures. Newspapers & Technology will have more information about the Independent-Mail’s new format in the June issue.

-The San Diego Union-Tribune tapped Austin, Texas, software developer Small World Labs to launch a network of hyper-local Web sites, called sdBackyard.com. Weekly print publications based on the user-generated content will be launched in selected Southern California communities this June, the paper said.

 

-Graphic Web Systems said it is supplying a reconditioned MAN Roland MediaMAN press to Egyptian newspaper publisher Al Masry Al Youm. The press will be in operation later this summer.

-USA Today is distributing its sports content throughout sites operated by Fantasy Sports Network under terms of a deal that also saw the paper purchase an undisclosed stake in the Web site operator.

-The PrintCity Alliance released its VAPoN Resource Book, incorporating findings from two years of print technology research by members MAN Roland, Sun Chemical, UPM, Megtec, Eltex, MacDermid and Oce. Readers can request a free copy of the book by e-mailing a request to webline@printcity.de.
 

One year ago

The Naples (Fla.) Daily News buys a WIFAG press to anchor its new production facility while Transcontinental Inc. picks MAN Roland to supply three ColorMAN XXL presses in Fremont, Calif. The Reading (Pa.) Eagle buys a Berliner-format press from Koenig & Bauer AG, becoming the second U.S. daily to embrace the format.

Five years ago

After an evaluation of computer-to-plate technology, Lee Enterprises Inc.  opts to stick with filmsetters, at least for the next two years.

10 Years Ago

The Miami Herald picks Ferag to install an Integrated Control System to help monitor and control the flow of newspapers as they leave the press.

15 Years Ago

The Reading Eagle Co. purchases a KBA Colormax Flexo CIC unit to bolster its pressline.