Like the ideal of 3. – it sounds almost a full circle in that the freelancing atmosphere of pre-1980s journalism will revive. Better news and more individualism flourished back then, but I struggle to see how the press wires work into this equation – a compact staff doling out stuff en masse has suited them well. It’s more selfsame slabs of dark or milk than a selection box today.

That isn’t necessarily a question since (as you say) there’s a well-established vanity to future speculations – let alone theorizing about speculation. Despite that it can adopt a sort of IGY whimsy, the optimism of which isn’t amiss in the tumult of this world.

The Liverpool Echo may not be owned by Trinity Mirror in 25 years; the behaviour of the firm suggests an exit strategy, albeit one with some residual portion in online media like Media Wales.

Once the library downtown opens again I’ll probably garner some pictures of the old broadsheets that characterized a pre-tabloid Trinity. For a few decades in the 20th century working class people gladly read broadsheets; I don’t trust the old people I speak to regards the quality, given that the memory is a kind, gentle judge.

Is it next month that the Press Gazette will publish its circulation charts? Be interesting to see how the local dailies here fare. I’m reckoning another 11-13% fall for the Post, with the Echo on an 8-10% drop.

Speaking of predictions, I believe that bet of ours concerning the News Corp. paywalls is soon to be determined. I’m guessing the stats will be published by the aforementioned Gazette, or journalism.co.uk? Should be fun in any case.

- Pete