MATCHDAY PROGRAMME/MAGAZINE

[jordancampbell]

Interesting to see some of the figures behind the programme’s production, new2rovers, I wasn’t aware of just how fine the margins involved are or the change in personnel.

I raised the question as an information gathering exercise for the club website, having being engaged in discussions around content and the type of information the average fan enjoys over the past few weeks.
The feedback here is invaluable and insightful.

[samtennentjnr]

I love a programme.

What I enjoy as mentioned above is the stats / line ups in the middle from previous games. I enjoy a quiz.

Interviews both silly and every so often maybe a bit more in depth. Stats on old games. Even just some old pic quite like the stuff OldRoversPics are doing on twitter.

Obviously don't want to suggest all this stuff and not put myself forward so would be up for getting more involved in writing this content.

[mildrover]

Feb 26, 2021 8:08:00 GMT new2rovers said:

It’s worth pointing out that currently that after many years of dedicated support both the designer and on of the sellers of the programme have retired from these activities

As Ronnie identifies it takes a lot of effort to produce the programmes and the efforts of all involved is appreciated. However, if the programme has to continue then the following will need to be identified;

Programme designer - responsible for collation of the articles, designing the print run, engaging with the print supplier, taking receipt of the programmes and arranging transit to the ground

Programme sellers - To assist TC on match days selling the programmes

Articles - Support of Bill and DH with materials for inclusion

In terms of costs and losses etc. Looking at the 2019 period if we include player sponsorships, the programme made a surplus of £1,800 in the year. If we don’t include player sponsorships the 2019 the loss was £600.

For the 2020 period there was a loss of £240 for 4 programmes.

It’s also worth pointing out that all surplus and loss are born by the Supporters Trust.

Whilst it’s encouraging to see a director of the club showing an interest int eh programme activity. I am surprised that 3 board members were in attendance at the supporters trust meeting on Tuesday and there was no discussion points raised by the club directors in relation to the programme.

Perhaps Jordan can clarify if he asking or raising this issue personally or formally on behalf of the club.

Thanks new2rovers for such a detailed description of the many tasks involved in the production of the programme and the finances. It is clear the programme only makes any money through the player sponsorship.

[chris]

I think the fact it does bring money in via sponsorship justifies it though

[rab]

Our programme looks very professional and clearly benefits from some dedicated input. But if costs and resources are issues, we could consider something more basic.

Stenhousemuir produce a black and white 12 page programme on ordinary (non-glossy) paper. It won't win any design awards, but it's still a very good programme and would be a template for us if we needed to downsize.

[hugh]

As seen a previous Supporters Trust meeting discussions took place about the significant losses in producing what is without doubt a good quality product. A decision to raise the cost by 50p was a practical step to take at that time by the Supporters Trust.

Issues raised

- lack of income from adverts within the programme
-sponsorship recognition for the club was essential
- Examples of changes made at other clubs

To see the losses were continuing, albeit reduced, was not really a surprise but i do feel at times sentiment can get the better of us sometimes.

With a ray of light ahead of us regarding fans returning next season. Hopefully the Supporters Trust will be able review this issue in due course.

Healthy dialogue such as this can only be helpful in the process.

[Nanook]

The programme is a vehicle for the squad sponsorship, it is the obvious place for it to go.

If the squad sponsorship is in, the programme makes a profit.

Not sure the squad sponsorship can go anywhere else, on a web site, maybe, but just does not seem right.

[Neil]

I would love to see the return of the Over The Wall fanzine if possible.

[Nanook]

Over the Wall stopped because Robert felt after four editions that he had lost enough money.

Sales in a niche market were just not high enough to cover costs. No advertising that I remember.

[rab]

I think it just about broke even over the piece, but only because it sold well amongst fans of other clubs through shops like Sportspages in London; it ended mainly because I didn't have the time any more.

Fanzines allowed supporters to say what had previously been considered unsayable by the mainstream press. My proudest moment with OTW was it being described by the Advertiser as 'scurrilous and disgraceful in every respect'. But I'm not sure there is a place for them any more in the era of messageboards.