April 30's Swansea Bay Media Highlights - weekly newspaper special

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For all those interested in & working in the Swansea Bay media
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Carmarthen Journal Click
News lead - Carmarthen's £74m St Catherine's Walk shopping centre will open today (Friday). Stores include Debenhams, Next, Vision Express and Carphone Warehouse.
Sport lead - Carmarthen Town manager Deryn Brace admitted relief after his side secured a place in next season's streamlined 10-club Welsh Premier League.
Curio - Police were called when a dad fed his two-year-old daughter a sandwich in Ammanford JobCentre which has a no eating rule.
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Llanelli Star Click
News lead - An ex-serviceman has fired a broadside at Carmarthenshire Council, claiming it puts paedophiles before injured veterans when it comes to housing. The council say he's been offered a home.
Sport lead - Llanelli AFC manager Andy Legg has revealed his ambition to return to the Football League after guiding the Reds to the Welsh Premier League runners-up spot.
Curio - Burry Port singing teacher Cheryl Davies has a new business venture ... as a tribute act to Lady Gaga.
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South Wales Guardian Click
News lead - Police are investigating after a 15-year-old girl was assaulted during an Ammanford school lunch break.
Sport lead - Amman United RFC beat Hendy 50-22 and face Trimsaran tomorrow (Saturday).
Curio - Swansea Valley adventurer Kevin Sanders, of expeditions firm GlobeBusters, is to tackle his most extreme motorcycle ride ever, from Ystradgynlais to Beijing. One stop-off is Everest base camp.
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Mags light up the Swansea Bay arts scene

Two lifestyle mags enjoyed by Swansea Bay readers share a passion for the arts this month.
Red Handed has much talked-about Welsh-born popster Marina Diamandis on its Spring 2010 cover; May's Swansea Life goes large on the latest Swansea Bay Film Festival - eight pages of news, interviews and listings.
The Marina and the Diamonds cover story is useful for the band as they play Cardiff on May 16.
Her interview with writer James Logan reveals an eclectic mix of musical influences.
They include Alisha's Attic, Dolly Parton, George Michael, Enya, No Doubt, Patti Smith, PJ Harvey, Juliana Hatfield ... and traditional Greek music.
Red Handed's free and can be picked up in libraries, council premises, hotels and shops. Incidentally, its latest reviews include Wind Street bar Moloko and advertisers include the Quiksilver stores in Llanelli and Carmarthen.
Swansea Life editor Wyn Jenkins got his own fingers inky after deciding to do a film fest feature.
He shares writing credits with Cherie Strawbridge on the glossy's Swansea Bay movie love-in.
The latest Swansea Bay Film Festival runs from May 8-16 and features a vast range of flicks. Media Master's eye was caught particularly by a short directed by Sharron Harris and known as I Can't Strip My Lambretta Down in the Kitchen Blues, a 25-minute American production called Adam Blank Gets a Vasectomy and the full-length feature http://www.zapping-alien.mozart-balls.com/.
It's great that Wyn and his staff, in their capacity as festival sponsors, are being so supportive of this fine left-field institution. And it's encouraging that some events are being staged in Carmarthenshire and Neath Port Talbot this year.
Get yer festival heads on right now, folks.

Swansea Bay media prepares for research results

Research has been carried out into how readers of papers such as the Western Mail and South Wales Evening Post consume news from their local councils.
The study was commissioned by local newspaper lobbying group The Newspaper Society which is now analysing the results.
It comes against a backdrop of local press animosity towards council newspapers such as The Leader and with diminished newsroom resources meaning fewer reporters in council chambers.
Findings, so Media Master has been told, show that local newspapers (60%) are the most popular media source for those who want to voice opinions on important issues. Council publications weigh in at 15% and local radio 11%.
Expect some Swansea Bay media coverage in mid-May when the results embargo is lifted.
The findings of a separate NS survey - which asked local media editors about their reporting of public bodies - will also be revealed in a couple of weeks' time.
Full story here.

April 29's Swansea Bay media highlights

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For all those interested in & working in the Swansea Bay media
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Online BBC Cymru Wales Click
Local top story - The Roman Catholic Bishop of Menevia, Tom Burns, has called for more funding for the military as he led mourners at the funeral of a Swansea soldier killed in Afghanistan. Click
Environment - Conservationists say all-night parties are leaving the popular Langland beach on Gower with a hangover. Volunteers arriving for a survey found it strewn with litter including broken glass and burnt nails from camp fires. Click
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Broadcast The Wave Click
Editorial - The Welsh Guards were recognised last night at the Local Hero Awards of The Wave and Swansea Sound. Falklands veteran Simon Weston gave them the Ultimate Local Hero Award. Click
Music - A list: Bad Romance - Lady Gaga; Broken Heels - Alexandra Burke; Don't Stop Believin' - The Cast of Glee; Everybody Hurts - Hope for Haiti; Fight for this Love - Cheryl Cole; Number One Enemy - Daisy Dares You ft Chipmunk; One Shot - JLS; Owl City - Fireflies; Single Ladies - Beyonce; Tik Tok - Kesha; What About Now? - Westlife.
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Print Western Mail Click
Editorial - Wales' hoax fire calls cost £7m in three years. Swansea clocks almost 600, Neath Port Talbot more than 260, Carmarthenshire 133.
Commercial - Excellent publicity for Swansea Marina and Neath Port Talbot in eight-page pull-out Coastal Wales. Advertisers include Young's Boatyard, Bay Divers and Cambrian Boats.
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April 28's Swansea Bay Media Highlights – Midweek Online Special

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For all those interested in & working in the Swansea Bay media
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South Wales Evening Post Click
New look – The Evening Post website has had a welcome overhaul, with news given a stronger profile, a little more order and quicker navigation. Check out the lead story here.
Feedback – Tell the Evening Post web bosses what you think of their new-look site. Click
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Swansea Sound Click
Editorial - Welsh researchers have spent three months looking at whether omega 3 supplements really improve the behaviour and learning of children. Click
Commercial – Steve Dewitt's Brainteaser prizes this week include a John Barrowman CD, a Jack Johnson DVD, an Island Records CD set, a James May DVD, a Kylie CD, Spandau Ballet CD and Vue Cinema tickets. A healthy promotional link-up for all involved. Click
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BBC Wales Click
Editorial - Objectors to a beach festival proposed at Carmarthenshire's Pembrey Country Park, featuring chart acts Calvin Harris and Plan B, have told a licensing hearing that plans for the event appear "shambolic." Click
Recommended - Female singers and musicians are to headline this year's four-day blues and jazz festival in Mumbles. It runs from 30 April to 3 May. Click
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April 27's Swansea Bay Media Highlights

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For all those interested in & working in the Swansea Bay media
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Print Western Mail Click
Editorial – Revealed: The secrets Richard Burton shared with his pocket diary - thanks to the Richard Burton Centre at Swansea University.
Commercial – Nice plug for one of South Wales' greatest pubs, Maesteg's Old House Inn, in a feature on new Peter Long book The Hidden Places of Wales (Travel Publishing).
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Broadcast Bay Radio Click
Editorial – The bosses of Swansea's closure-threatened Ethnic Cuisine say a WAG grant to upgrade its plant wouldn't have saved its 230 jobs ... a new customer contract was needed.
Commercial – Typical ad break: Ace Windows, Welsh Blood Service, Neath Port Talbot Council Recycling Services, Fortress Wales at Margam Park, Skoda UK, Car Arena Swansea.
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Online South Wales Evening Post Click
Editorial – The family of a young woman attacked on Llanelli beach are furious with the way police dealt with the case. They claim she was taken from the scene in a police van which contained one of her attackers. Click
Most viewed stories – An apology to Robert William Stevens - Click. Man dies as crews called to early-morning kitchen blaze - Click. We're down but we are not out - Click.
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April 26's Swansea Bay Media Highlights

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For all those interested in & working in the Swansea Bay media
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Print South Wales Evening Post Click
Editorial - Comic star Eddie Izzard will be backing Labour with a guest appearance at Swansea University today.
Commercial – The Evening Post has joined BreakFree Holidays to offer readers weeks away for as little as £15 per person. Locations include Riviere Sands Holiday Park in Hayle, Hendra Holiday Park in Newquay and Perran Sands Holiday Park in Perranporth. Click
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Broadcast The Wave Click
Editorial - The countdown is on for Wednesday's Local Hero Awards night being hosted by The Wave and sister station Swansea Sound. Wales rugby skipper Ryan Jones is one of the judges.
Commercial - Typical ad break: Trade Centre Wales, webuyanycar.com, caravansinwales.com, FRF Vauxhall Swansea & Bridgend.
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Online BBC Cymru Wales Click
Sport - Swansea City midfielder Darren Pratley insists the Championship play-off pressure has shifted to Blackpool. Click
Video fun - A machine that carries British hopes of shattering the world land speed record for a lawnmower has been unveiled at a beach in Carmarthenshire. Click
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Community Radio Tircoed Click
News - A man has died following a fire at a house in Port Tennant.
Charity - The station is supporting a new fund-raising push for children's hospice Ty Hafan. Click
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April 23's Swansea Bay Media Highlights

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For all those interested in & working in the Swansea Bay media
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Online BBC Cymru Wales Click
Local top story - A ready meals plant is set to close, putting 234 jobs at risk in Swansea after it fails to reach a deal with a supermarket chain. Click
Bumpy ride - Traders in Burry Port are demanding some of its 72 speed bumps are removed claiming they are driving customers away. Click
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Broadcast The Wave Click
Editorial - Swansea Council has helped overcome the social worker shortage by recruiting from Germany and Sweden.
General Election - Plaid's Ieuan Wyn Jones remains angry that his party were left out of last night's televised prime ministerial debate.
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Print Western Mail Click
Editorial - Wales needs to back calls for St George's Day to be recognised as a bank holiday in England if it too is to succeed in getting a public holiday for St David's Day, campaigners claim.
Commercial - The Magners League promotional folk are cranking up excitement for the competition's first grand final, to be played on May 29. Savvy Swansea Bay businesses should back the Ospreys on this one and start looking at commercial hook-ups.
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Swansea Bay media gets bank governor boost

Mervyn King, the Governor of the Bank of England, is to highlight the important role local newspapers have played in keeping the public informed during the financial crisis.
His support will come as a boost to local papers such as the South Wales Evening Post, Llanelli Star and South Wales Guardian.
Mr King was invited to write a piece to celebrate Local Newspaper Week (10-16 May).
It'd be good PR for the papers to report Mr King's support. Business clients, in particular, will be interested.
More - http://bit.ly/ax7bU2

Swansea Bay media big guns' new jobs offensive

The local newspaper industry is campaigning to cling on to its valuable but diminished employment advertising.
Situations vacant columns, including those in the Swansea Bay media, have been hit hard by the internet, the recession and competition from increasingly sophisticated employment agencies.
But titles such as the South Wales Evening Post and the Western Mail are fighting back. And that's a good thing for staff hunters, not least because most newspapers now offer a decent editorial vehicle with jobs pages. Wales on Sunday offers a good example of this.
Trade body The Newspaper Society is currently on a nationwide tour flagging up the results of a study which showed that nearly twice as many jobseekers turn first to local media when looking for a job than second choice source Jobcentre Plus.
Society sages are delivering that message to media agencies and advertisers across the UK, with at least one session being hosted in Cardiff by Western Mail parent group Media Wales.
It'd be wise of the local media to flag up the results of this study in their own news columns.
More info - http://bit.ly/ar5MDp

April 22's Swansea Bay Media Highlights

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For all those interested in & working in the Swansea Bay media
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Print South Wales Evening Post Click
Editorial - Police are treating the death of a 29-year-old Swansea woman as "unexplained."
Opinion - Someone with the talent of rugby star James Hook should not be treated as a jack of all trades; the Ospreys are pushing him to be an inside centre but Wales have played him in three other positions.
Commercial – A two-page advertising feature flags up this weekend's ambitious first Gorseinon Food Festival. Those involved include Simon Wright, of Nantgaredig's superb Y Polyn Restaurant, Sian Day's new Kids Cooking Academy and Millie’s Market from Shirley Price.
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Online South Wales Guardian Click
Editorial - Pub giant JD Wetherspoon has confirmed it is looking into the possibility of moving into Ammanford. Click
Commercial – The Guardian has hooked up with FindMeTV to offer a spiffing service to dig out all those small screen shows you missed but are now available as an online catch-up. Media Master's hunt for BBC4 documentary strangely compulsive series The Beauty of Maps on iPlayer quickly came up trumps. Click
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Broadcast Scarlet FM Click
Key local story - Carmarthen police would like to talk to a man in connection with the theft of necklaces worth more than £4,000 from the town's market. Click
You heard it here - Tonight's General Election leaders' debate is likely to include key questions on Iraq, Trident and Europe.
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Community Afan FM Click
Commercial - Swansea music venue Sin City is backing the station's gig guide, with a handy commercial spin-off. Click
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April 21's Swansea Bay Media Highlights – Midweek Online Special

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For all those interested in & working in the Swansea Bay media
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South Wales Evening Post Click
Editorial – Check out the Evening Post's Olympics countdown, including: New legislation has been put in place to ensure football banning orders will be automatically recognised during London 2012. Click
Commercial – Today's big home page ads include: heartburn soother Gaviscon, music festival Mumbles Mostly Blues & Jazz, eating out guide Top Table and BT.
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Swansea Sound Click
Editorial - Four people have been arrested in Swansea following an investigation into a mobile phone insurance scam. Click
Commercial – Main home page ads include: Castle Bingo, Justin Harris Photography and cleaners Chem-Dry.
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BBC Wales Click
Editorial - Hundreds of young people, teachers and parents plan to parade through Swansea city centre on Saturday to celebrate the one-year run-up to the national Urdd Eisteddfod. Click
Recommended - A volunteer rescue team of 4x4 drivers - Response Wales - is to recruit new members at a meeting in the Amman Valley on 27 April. Click
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DNA build their Swansea Bay Gnolledge base

Photographer Andrew Jenkins tells me he's been out and about on behalf of one-man publishing phenomenon Nigel Dudley.
One of the new clients for Nigel's colourful magazines in the Neath and Swansea Valley areas is the splendid DNA Cleaning Services - web copy crafted by the Media Master himself.
Andrew hoped to take images of DNA working on one of their multi-national contracts. However, head office permission was needed so the job was carried out instead in the more homely setting of Pontardawe RFC. Good luck to all concerned.
On the subject of Nigel, this is the final week for him sorting out featured businesses in the next issues of the Neath Gnolledge and Valley View.
He told Media Master: "Feedback from the the March/April issues has been phenomenal, with many businesses receiving more than 30 enquiries last month.
"One business says that in one publication it delivered more business than a large coloured directory did in a whole year!"
More good news for businesses wishing to promote their services around Neath and the Swansea Valley: a new campaign for the coming months means a reduced page price.
Nigel says: "Many businesses are using the publications as a cost-effective newsletter reaching their client base five times a year. We have a solicitor who does this in the Valley View and results have been exceptional.
"Marketing/promotion is all about consistency over a period of time so that each time readers pick up the publication, they see the same business but with a slightly different focus.
"We're confident that we can deliver on expectations over the year and will give a high return on investment in many ways for businesses."
To be part of future issues contact Media Master in the first instance - 07758 745240. I'll tell you more about Neath Gnolledge, Valley View and new title, Port Talbot Sea View.

AM's backing so good for Swansea Bay media folk

It was good to see Aberavon AM Brian Gibbons give his enthusiastic backing to community radio station Afan FM on his first visit to their new premises.
Now based in Port Talbot town centre after losing their Afan Lido base to fire, the broadcast crew have some good reasons to celebrate.
Indeed, a press release from Dr Gibbons is headlined: "Grant award tops great month for Afan FM."
It follows the success Afan enjoyed in becoming one of six community radio stations to receive grant funding from the Welsh Assembly Government’s Community Radio Fund.
The announcement, made by Culture Minister Alun Ffred Jones, saw Afan get a share of the £100,000 fund.
The stations were chosen for their commitment to their communities in a number of areas, including; encouraging healthy lifestyles, promoting training and social enterprise for excluded and vulnerable people.
Dr Gibbons told Media Master: “The receipt of this grant caps a great month for Afan FM as they have also recently received The High Sheriff of West Glamorgan award.
"I've been an enthusiastic supporter of Afan since the idea was first mentioned. I know many people have put in a lot of time and effort to deliver this community resource, and they should be commended for their work
“Afan FM plays a valuable role reflecting the issues affecting people living in our community particularly our younger citizens.
"The station is more than the sum of it parts as it also provides opportunities for residents to gain new skills by volunteering for the station and - in some cases - to gain employment."
Dr Gibbons is pictured with with Afan FM's Rachel Harrison and Hash Piperdy.
For the record, other community stations to receive a share of the WAG fund included BRFM in Blaenau Gwent, Tudno FM in Llandudno, Bro Radio in the Vale of Glamorgan, GTFM in Pontypridd and Calon FM in Wrexham.

Persimmon builds South Wales media hopes

Our friends at Real Radio have launched another of the big promotions they're so keen on.
It's another lively example of how commercial partners can benefit when they hop into bed with the media. Such publicity options are always worth considering - they're certainly a more discreet sell than traditional advertising.
In the case of the new Real Radio Renegade, the sponsor is Persimmon Homes.
The listener competition is being promoted as a hunt for the Renegade ... and a chance to win a share of £100,000.
Every weekday from 8-10am, noon-2pm and 4-6pm, the station is broadcasting clues to the Renegade's whereabouts. There are even photo clues such as today's - click.
The competition is a multi-media experience that sees Real build nicely on a good idea.
For Persimmon, it means plenty of exposure. In return, they're offering some special deals.
Offers include selected homes across South Wales from £142,000, including conservatory flooring and blinds, some wardrobes, kitchen appliances and legal fees.

April 20's Swansea Bay Media Highlights

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For all those interested in & working in the Swansea Bay media
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Print Western Mail Click
Editorial – Education: A county-by-county investigation of the future of schools in Wales has uncovered tens of thousands of spare desks as falling rolls affect virtually every county.
Clegg-spot 1 – The man of the moment makes it to page 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 18 ... "a new poll shows his party has surged into second place among Welsh voters."
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Broadcast Bay Radio Click
Editorial – Police are hunting a female bag-snatcher who robbed two pensioners in Swansea's Sketty Park area over the weekend.
Clegg-spot 2 – Nick Clegg is launching an attack on "reckless and greedy bankers" as a school photo of the Lib Dem leader is revealed. Click
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Online South Wales Evening Post Click
Editorial 'most viewed' – "It has been a total nightmare," says man jailed after being wrongly convicted of sexually assaulting a schoolgirl. Click
Clegg-spot 3 – Reader comment from "Heather, Mumbles" ... I overheard two bimbos who were jogging on the sea-front the other morning talking about this Clegg bloke and how sexy he was. I've never gone for looks, I far prefer brawn, and lots of it. Click
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Online Radio Tircoed Click
Morning Show - Phil England is back on air - with croaky voice. Welcome back.
News - A 19-year-old girl is in hospital after being attacked by a gang on Llanelli beach.
Clegg-spot 4 (well, he's famous now!) - Labour's dominance of politics in Wales is coming to an end, according to the Lib Dem leader.
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Bay Radio bosses celebrate West Wales scoop

Exciting times at Town and Country Broadcasting have just become a little more exciting.
The parent company of stations such as Bay, Scarlet, Carmarthenshire and Nation has just acquired a new Welsh stablemate.
The hook-up with Radio Ceredigion has TCB bosses claiming to now have Wales' largest commercial radio group. It's an incredible expansion tale with roots in the launch of the well-received Radio Pembrokeshire just eight years ago.
TCB now operates seven commercial radio stations in Wales, giving it FM coverage across all of south and west Wales and more widespread coverage across the area than any other commercial radio company.
Ceredigion is a local station aimed at the country's mid-west coast. In Swansea Bay you can tune in online at http://www.radioceredigion.co.uk/.
TCB managing director Martin Mumford told Media Master: “Today is another landmark for our company. Over the next few weeks we’ll be building a quality local radio service for Ceredigion with great music, county news and entertaining and informative programming in Welsh and English.
"The station will become a positive force for local businesses and stakeholders in Ceredigion by offering them a professional environment where they can promote their goods and services”.
TCB started Radio Pembrokeshire in 2002 and has grown to become one of Wales’ fastest growing media businesses. Its portfolio includes Bridge FM in Bridgend and TCB recently recorded its highest ever weekly audience of 215,000 listeners.

April 19's Swansea Bay Media Highlights

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For all those interested in & working in the Swansea Bay media
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Print South Wales Evening Post Click
Key news - A Gower man whose conviction for attempted rape has been quashed says his life will never be the same again following the ordeal.
Pride Awards – Strong coverage of the Evening Post's first Pride Awards from the Brangwyn Hall ... featuring actress Ruth Madoc, Swansea Sound's Kevin Johns, Swansea Lord Mayor Alan Lloyd and top prize winner Leigh Davies.
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Broadcast The Wave Click
Commercial - Typical ad break ... Ffos Las Racecourse, Travel Code Wales, Toyota, Dawsons Lettings Swansea, webuyanycar.com.
Editorial - Two men charged with the murder of a Cardiff 17-year-old are due to appear in court today.
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Online BBC Cymru Wales Click
News - Cardiff Airport will stay shut until at least 7pm today despite British Airways successfully landing a test flight to the airport from Heathrow to gauge safety in the light of the volcanic ash cloud from Iceland. Click
Sport - Glamorgan secured a 76-run victory and their first County Championship win at Lord's in 56 years after mopping up the Middlesex tail. Click
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April 14's Swansea Bay Media Highlights – Midweek Online Special

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For all those interested in & working in the Swansea Bay media
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South Wales Evening Post Click
Editorial – How many times have we been told it's better in HD? Well, now even S4C's in on the act ... and a GwendraethValley mum has named it Clirlun, or clear picture. Click
Commercial – Another email shot went out this week as the Evening Post builds anticipation of its April 29 business show in Swansea city centre. Click
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Swansea Sound Click
Editorial - A £25m urban village for one of Swansea's rundown areas has been given the go ahead. Planning permission's been granted for the redevelopment of High Street, The Strand and Kings Lane. Click
Commercial – Another nice tie-up for Swansea's Norton House Hotel and Restaurant. The first heat of Swansea Sound's Search for A Star 2010 takes place there on May 9. Click
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BBC Wales Click
Editorial - A man was airlifted to hospital after falling 15m down cliffs in Gower. He was on an organised cliff climbing expedition when he slipped and fell at Rhossili. Click
Tasty - Leading chefs Bryn Williams, Stephen Terry, Dudley Newbery, Angela Gray and Nerys Howell are to attend the second West Wales Food Festival on May 2 and 3 at Llanarthne's National Botanic Garden of Wales. Click
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April 13's Swansea Bay Media Highlights

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For all those interested in & working in the Swansea Bay media
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Print Western Mail Click
Editorial – Lib Dem Treasury spokesman Vince Cable makes one of the day's biggest photos ... for strolling along High Street, Swansea, with Welsh party leader Kirsty Williams and would-be city MP Peter May.
Commercial – Fancy some stylish publicity? Try some retro movie glamour. Yesterday it was cyclist Victoria Pendleton posing as Holly Golightly for Hovis, today it's actress Thandie Newton posing as Cleopatra for Virgin Media.
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Broadcast Bay Radio Click
Editorial – Swansea police are looking for witnesses to an accident in which a pedestrian was in collision with a coach near the Tesco Marina superstore.
Commercial – The station's website is now supported by: Sinclair Group, Port Talbot Town FC, Welsh Blood Service, Love in Wales, Mobiles Mean Money.
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Online South Wales Evening Post Click
Editorial – Great cross-section of reader replies to a story about plans for a multi-million pound watersports centre in Swansea Bay. From "This is great news for Swansea and should be applauded" to "This is taxpayers' money - what about investing in real jobs?" Click
Fact-finder – Did you know that the Evening Post website lists the latest crime figures for Neath, Port Talbot, Swansea and Carmarthenshire? The service is tucked away but worth taking a look, especially if you're a community or political statto. Click
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Carmarthenshire Life shines new light on media

The new-look Carmarthenshire Life is a fine addition to the Swansea Bay media scene.
It fills a gap between the internet hurly-burly, the grassroots nature of the Llanelli Star and Carmarthen Journal and the arm's length feel of BBC Wales.
An elegantly presented A4 magazine with a satin finish, it's now in the hands of the Carmarthenshire Heritage Regeneration Trust and is being run as a not-for-profit  publication.
In celebrating the county, it follows on from its previous - less classy - incarnation and looks like it means business. Cover price is £2.20, its layout is neat and tidy and its content is well thought through.
Its spring edition featured editorial pieces on a colourful spectrum of topics ranging from the Carmarthenshire Association of Voluntary Services to the county's teacher of the year as judged by the Radio Carmarthenshire/Scarlet FM Local Hero Awards.
There was poetry, heritage, music, arts, local history and a lot more.
In the latest edition (April/May), editor Jenna Fulford has harnessed the skills of the contributors' team which includes Fairtrade campaigner Phil Broadhurst, storyteller Idris Davies and local history fan Alan Owen.
Carole Ann Smith is given the centre spread to highlight 20 years of Llanelli Writers' Circle. The group began as a collection of novices on a creative writing course and launched with 13 members. Much has happened since and the circle remains an important active ingredient of the Llanelli cultural mix. Well done to all concerned.
Publicity-wise, there are good things happening in Carmarthenshire Life. Llanelli's Coffee House - in the home of the Elim Pentecostal Church - offers 10% off, the WI offers a fine recipe for honey sponge pudding and The Laugharne Weekend festival gets a good plug.
There's an informative diary of events and advertisers include business consultant Ross Carbery and virtual office operator Alpha Business Works.
The latest ad rates I have for the bi-monthly mag include: Full Page - 1 edition £450, 3 editions £1,215, 6 editions £2,165.
Good luck to everybody involved with the publication.

April 12's Swansea Bay Media Highlights

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For all those interested in & working in the Swansea Bay media
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Print South Wales Evening Post Click
Editorial - Swansea's Phoenix Choir musical director Sian Pearce uses Twitter to blast a bride for being late to a Gower wedding at which the choir performed.
Commercial – It's that time of year again ... the Post's main page one ad is for June 12's Escape Into the Park, featuring dance music stars including Above & Beyond, Steve Angello, Judge Jules, Andy C and Darren Styles.
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Broadcast Real Radio Click
Editorial - Police are hunting two men after a 17-year-old was stabbed to death in South Wales.
Commercial - Typical ad break ... Victoria Motor Company, Cross Keys; Royal Mail mailshots; Edwards Coach Holidays; Wickes DIY.
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Online Andy Pearson Publicity Click
Blog 1 - Bay mag’s fast becoming serious Swansea media contender. Click
Blog 2 - Community Times puts Mumbles on the map. Click
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Bay fast becoming serious Swansea media contender

The Bay is turning into a serious little Swansea media contender.
Congratulations to Lesley Williams for making it through the first year of her own publication - and well done to all those who've supported it so far through advertising and readership.
The latest edition, datelined April, boasts 80 pages and a super-confident first three pages which urge support for the Welsh Guards Afghanistan Appeal.
The main beauty in The Bay, however, is the increasing amount of editorial and the continuing elegance of the advertising design.
Editorially this month, there are attention-holding features such as a profile on Swansea Building Society CEO Alun Williams, an excellent fitness directory with Su George, a seared scallops and parma ham recipe from All Seasons' chef Sam Mullan and a preview of new Iris Gower novel House of Shadows.
Top ads in the Media Master's view include a carefully crafted quarter page for Swansea's Alison Broady Creative Gardens and a punchy promo for Street Dance Swansea.

Community Times puts Mumbles on the map

The latest edition of Mumbles Community Times has taken an innovative approach to embracing the tourism market.
Editor Joanne Caulfield commissioned illustrator Claire Wiles to produce a map of Mumbles, revealing where some of the villages most useful businesses, services and attractions are located.
Claire produced a highly colourful affair which Joanne is pleased to present across her Easter/Spring edition's centre-spread.
Categories highlighted include clothes shops, takeaways and hairdressers.
Restaurants listed include Peppers, Patrick's and The Pier. Gift shops catalogued include Shaker Shack, Blades and Cosmic Elf.
The magazine - now a 96-page A5 glossy - plans to run the feature through to the end of summer.
I hope such innovation has the desired effect, with tourists heading for the enterprises pinpointed and those enterprises then acknowledging the power of the press.

April 9's Swansea Bay Media Highlights

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For all those interested in & working in the Swansea Bay media
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Online BBC Cymru Wales Click
Local top story - Five men and two women have been arrested following a nine-month police surveillance operation targeting drugs in Swansea and Neath Port Talbot. Click
Euro rugby - Video of Wales and Scarlets fly-half Stephen Jones answering questions about his future and his big game this weekend against Jonny Wilkinson’s Toulon. Click
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Broadcast The Wave Click
Editorial - Neath Port Talbot councillors have given the ok to the construction of a Scottish & Southern Energy gas-fired power station in Baglan Bay. Hundreds of construction jobs should follow.
General Election - Excellent snapshot of the runners and riders named so far for Swansea Bay constituencies. Click
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Print Western Mail Click
Editorial - An image of Shirley Bassey's glittering appearance - wellington boots an' all - at the 2007 Glastonbury Festival is to go on display at London's National Portrait Gallery. It was taken by photographer Venetia Dearden.
Commercial - It's always good to enter professional awards contests as there can be a decent PR spin-off. Today, Riba (the Royal Institute of British Architects) praise work on projects such as Port Talbot's Margam Discovery Centre (Loyn & Co), Langland's Idle Rocks and Gower's Pennard House (both by Hyde + Hyde).
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Swansea journalists to debate Welsh media future

A host of Swansea Bay-based journalists are expected in Cardiff this month for a get-together to discuss the future prospects for the principality's news and media industry.
The conference is called What Future for the Media in Wales?
It's being organised by journalists' union the NUJ and has a fascinating top table of speakers.
They include Cardiff Uni Professor of Journalism Studies Bob Franklin, Aberystwyth Uni media studies professor Tom O'Malley and Jeremy Dear, the NUJ's general secretary.
Speakers from all main political parties have been invited to debate their policies for the media in Wales.
The Banner Theatre Company has been asked to present their acclaimed half-hour satire Embedded with Bankers.
The conference comes against a background of great change in the Welsh media, due to the internet, recession and new technology.
Admission's free. It should be a thought-provoking gathering for all those interested in the media and it takes place from 1.30-5.30pm on Saturday, April 17, at the Chapter Arts Complex, Canton.
The NUJ blurb states: "At a time of the biggest upheaval in national and regional media for decades, this is an opportunity to discuss the challenges facing the media industry in Wales and, crucially, to map out a way forward, providing opportunities for innovation, protecting jobs and journalistic freedoms."

Swansea Life puts a gloss on the media mix

The new edition of Swansea Life is out.
Its cover lines plug features on beauty (tips to turn back time), relationships (upfront dating tips) and fashion (metallic and pewter).
Key advertisers in this 148-page lifestyle-fest include Lara Johnson Lifestyle (inside front), Andrew Price salon at Hurst House on the Marsh (inside back) and Sancta Maria Hospital (back).
Highlights for Media Master include a hook-up the mag now has with Real Radio via a CD reviews page by drivetime show host Dave Brookes and a feature on a spectacular house makeover by architects Hyde + Hyde high above the glorious Langland Bay.
For independent advice on how to raise the profile of your business through Swansea Life and other local mags, give me a shout on 07758 745240.

Swansea Eye duo help build media empire

Two ambitious individuals from Swansea's newest magazine popped in to meet the Media Master for the first time.
Steve Sidebottom and Debbie Jenkins are amongst the driving forces behind Swansea Eye.
They have big plans for the Eye even though it's still very much in its infancy. Distribution tie-ups have already been secured with high footfall organisations such as the DVLA, golf clubs including Machynys, the Liberty Stadium, hotels, surgeries, Swansea Council and motor main dealers such as Bassetts Honda and Sinclair VW.
Being promoted in the community as a free lifestyle magazine, the A4 glossy has its roots in England's north where the rollout of a young publishing empire is being masterminded.
It is likely that the Swansea title - Wales' first Eye - will be a valuable testing ground for planned editions for other parts of the principality.
There are also plans for niche interest titles such as an A5-format eating out guide.
Now's not a bad time to get involved commercially - Steve and Debbie are eager to attract advertisers so there's room for negotiating good deals on added-value advertorial features, advice columns and press release use.
Issue one of Swansea Eye, dated February, featured an evocative dusk image of the Marina's Meridian Quay Tower. It was taken by Swansea's Athena Photography, fronted by press-hardened Dimitris Legakis.
Its editorial features included local news and entertainment, a fashion spread, food and drink, homes and gardens, health and fitness, motoring finance and a couple of kids' pages.
Swansea Bay advertisers included Burns Fitness, florist Robin Wayne, Cafe Remo's, Dream Doors and the Rock and Roll Boutique.
Issue two (March) carried similar editorial platforms and some fresh Swansea advertisers. They included the Grosvenor Casino, photographers All About the Image, the Liberty Stadium and Thornton's Executive Bathrooms.
For more info on Swansea Eye, give me a shout - 07758 745240.

More tabloid tales as Swansea West mimics the media

The General Election campaign's tabloid tide continues as the race for Swansea West hots up.
As previously reported, Lib Dem hopeful Peter May has busily issued Mirror lookalike publications.
Now tried and tested media style is being harnessed by May's national colleagues ... and by Labour candidate Geraint Davies.
A four-page red-top from Nick Clegg and co dropped through the Media Master letterbox this week.
The Cleggster's pictured on the front with warzone troops, there's a huge red CHANGE topping the page one lead and a predictable dig at the Tories.
The centre spread features a cleverly done Mirror-style feature complete with Labour report card, urgent tickertape fonts and headline lifts from the national press.
Nick Clegg photo count: Six.
Labour's punchy effort is a localised plea for support. It's called Swansea Families and plays the language card with a hint of Welsh.
The splash is an attack on Swansea Council's non-Labour administration and how it's handling education budget cuts.
Would-be MP Geraint Davies is pictured across half the front page in an uncaptioned image with three schoolkids, possibly his daughters.

Headlines inside include: Our NHS for all our futures, Jobs and services ... or cuts?, Building a stronger, greener Wales and For children, wildlife and hearts.
In tabloid terms, it's not quite as polished an effort as the Lib Dems' Your Community News - but it was printed in Wales and is a lively, worthwhile effort. I'm not sure when it was published but I picked it up yesterday in the foyer of a St Helen's Road office building occupied by chartered accountants McAlister & Co and the Castle ward's Communities First people.
Geraint Davies photo count: 15.

April 8's Swansea Bay Media Highlights

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For all those interested in & working in the Swansea Bay media
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Print South Wales Evening Post Click
Editorial - Three strong pages of southwest Wales General Election coverage include: Hain: Labour set for tough fight, Putting safety first could be key for parties.
Opinion - Although Swansea has a need for more affordable housing, it'd be a shame if the former Woolworth store was taken over - as is possible - by social housing group Gwalia. It's retail we need there.
Commercial – Richard Burton lives! Music fans are being urged, through advertising, to see Cardiff International Arena's War of the Worlds in December - complete with11ft hologram of the Port Talbot actor.
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Online South Wales Guardian Click
Editorial - Amman Valley goalkeeping legend Dai Davies has thrown his weight behind a campaign to bring the National Eisteddfod back to Ammanford in 2014. Click
Commercial – The Guardian’s Text Links give welcome online exposure to print ads, including Cross Hands’ Evolution Gym, auctioneers Peter Francis and pressure washer specialist PWS.
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Broadcast BBC Radio Wales Click
Key local story - A planned £450m gas-fired power station at Baglan Bay could get the ok from Neath Port Talbot councillors today. Its construction by Scottish & Southern Energy would create more than 1,000 jobs.
You heard it here - Proposed legislation to raise tax on cider is likely to be dropped today as MPs and peers face tonight's pre-General Election new laws deadline.
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April 7's Swansea Bay Media Highlights – Midweek Online Special

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For all those interested in & working in the Swansea Bay media
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South Wales Evening Post Click
Editorial – Lots of reader comment on the General Election announcement, including “People can change things themselves; they don't need politicians,” from Anon, Neath. Click
Commercial – Best home page banner ad for a while ... The Football Pools people have gone for some splendid retro-style photography. Click
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Swansea Sound Click
Station bosses thank listeners for donating to the station’s Easter Egg Appeal, aided by Corus, Tesco and the NSPCC. Click
Commercial – Well done to the lovely Norton House Hotel for getting some promotional kick-back from playing a key role in the station’s Local Heroes campaign. Click
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BBC Wales Click
Editorial - Thousands turned up to a three-day Doctor Who roadshow at the Swansea Big Screen. Click
Recommended - A women studying in Swansea to become a teacher has been chosen as a coach for the French sailing team in the London 2012 Olympics. Click
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April 6's Swansea Bay Media Highlights

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For all those interested in & working in the Swansea Bay media
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Print Western Mail Click
Editorial – A Gower businessman whose son died in a mysterious plane crash off Brazil two years ago has still not been able to hold a funeral.
Commercial – Great to see a new business – Jenkins Garden Machinery - rising in Cross Hands, supported by an informative half-page ad.
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Broadcast Bay Radio Click
Editorial – Swansea Council has approved the closure of two children’s homes as part of a services review.
Commercial – Typical ad break – Blazers Caravans, Argyle Cleaning Services, Towers Hotel & Spa Bon Jovi tribute night.
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Online South Wales Evening Post Click
Editorial – Work to transform the fire-ravaged remains of Neath's Gwyn Hall into a multi-million pound arts venue starts this month. Contractor Morgan Ashurst plans a meeting with local traders over safely measures. Click
Commercial – Google Ads on the home page include ... The Crown Training Academy, Store-It Wales and JobRapido.
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April 1's Swansea Bay Media Highlights

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For all those interested in & working in the Swansea Bay media
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Broadcast BBC Radio Wales Click
Key local story - The Children's Commissioner for Wales says the case of a six-year-old girl who was sexually abused by classmates revealed a shocking failure in systems.
You heard it here - Petrol and diesel are more expensive today following Chancellor Alistair Darling's Budget decision to raise duty. More rises on the way in October and January.
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Print South Wales Evening Post Click
Editorial - Swansea Council's environment enforcement team has issued just two fines for dog fouling in two years.
Opinion - Top-end salaries in the public sector have become out of step with inflation. Whichever party grabs power next month will have to inject some realism into these remuneration packages.
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Online South Wales Guardian Click
Editorial - Prince Harry is the talk of the town in Llandeilo after attending the wedding of local girl Alexix Wilcox on Saturday. Click
Commercial – Good use of Google Ads on the home page (booked through the search engine) - wedding photos from Kidwelly's Black Cat, gas boilers from Swansea's GAS, wedding albums from South Wales's Kapow, dental implants from Abergavenny's Nigel Jones.
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