Allied Press facts for kids
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| Holding company | |
| Industry | Mass media |
| Headquarters | Dunedin, New Zealand |
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Key people
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Julian Smith (owner) Grant Mackenzie (CEO) |
| Products | |
| Divisions |
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Allied Press is a media and publishing company in Dunedin, New Zealand. It's known for owning the Otago Daily Times, which is New Zealand's oldest daily newspaper. Allied Press also publishes many other newspapers and magazines. They have printing businesses all over the South Island. They used to run a TV station called Channel 39 in Dunedin.
Contents
History of Allied Press
How Allied Press Started
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Allied Press was created on May 13, 1975. It happened when two newspaper companies in Dunedin joined together. These were the Otago Daily Times (often called ODT) and the Evening Star.
After they joined, the ODT staff moved into the Evening Star's building. The Evening Star newspaper stopped being printed on November 3, 1979. It was replaced by a weekly newspaper called The Star.
New Ownership
In 1979, some other companies tried to buy Allied Press. But a businessman named Sir Julian Smith stepped in. He combined Allied Press with his own company. This created a new private company called Otago Press and Produce Limited (OPP).
In 1986, Julian Smith bought Otago Press and Produce. This brought Allied Press back as his private business. Smith became the main owner and leader of Allied Press. His brother, Nick Smith, also became an important part of the company.
Allied Press Today
On June 12, 2016, Julian Smith stepped down from his role as managing director. Grant McKenzie became the new chief executive officer (CEO). Julian Smith is still the chairman of the company.
Allied Press owns many newspapers across the South Island. This includes the Otago Daily Times and a big part of the Greymouth Star. They also own many local and farming newspapers. Some of these are the Oamaru Mail and Mountain Scene. In 2018, they bought the Clutha Leader newspaper.
In August 2018, Allied Press bought Star Media. This company is based in Canterbury. Star Media publishes local newspapers, magazines, and runs events. Their main newspaper is The Star in Christchurch. Star Media became a part of Allied Press.
During the COVID-19 Pandemic
When the COVID-19 pandemic in New Zealand started, Allied Press kept printing the Otago Daily Times. Their websites also stayed online. However, they stopped printing their local and farming newspapers for a while. This was to follow the lockdown rules.
By May 14, 2020, the rules were eased. This allowed Allied Press's community newspapers and magazines to start printing again. In August 2021, during another lockdown, some papers like the Southland Express stopped printing temporarily.
Recent Changes
In October 2023, some journalists and staff went on strike. They wanted higher pay. They were part of the E tū union.
In December 2023, Allied Press announced they would close their TV station, Channel 39. This happened because they were getting less money and fewer people were watching. However, their news show, The South Today, will continue online. You can find it on the Otago Daily Times's website and YouTube.
Allied Press: How it Works
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Who Runs Allied Press?
Allied Press is owned by Sir Julian Smith and his family. Julian Smith is the chairman and managing director. Other important people in the company include Nick Smith and Ray Clarkson. Allied Press has more than 400 employees.
Where is Allied Press Based?
The main office for Allied Press is in a large building in Lower Stuart Street, Dunedin. This building used to be home to the The Evening Star newspaper. It also houses the Otago Daily Times.
The building was designed by Edmund Anscombe in the late 1920s. It is a historic building, close to the Dunedin Law Courts and Dunedin Railway Station.
Allied Press also has offices in many other towns. These are located across the South Island. Some of these towns include Alexandra, Ashburton, Gore, Invercargill, and Queenstown.
What Allied Press Publishes
Allied Press's main publication is the daily newspaper Otago Daily Times. They also own a big part of the Greymouth Star. They publish many other local and farming newspapers in the South Island. Allied Press also has printing businesses. Until late 2023, they had a local TV station called Channel 39.
Newspapers
- Otago Daily Times
- Ashburton Courier
- Central Rural Life
- The Ensign (Gore)
- Greymouth Star
- Hokitika Guardian
- Lakes District and Central Otago News (Alexandra)
- Mountain Scene
- North Canterbury News
- Oamaru Mail
- Southern Rural Life
- Southland Express (Invercargill)
- The Star (Dunedin)
- The Timaru Courier (Timaru)
- The West Coast Messenger
Special Publications
- Dunedin Cruise Guide
- Huanying South
Star Media
Star Media is a company based in Canterbury. It is part of Allied Press. Star Media publishes the Christchurch local newspaper The Star. They also publish magazines like Style, Kiwi Gardener, and Rugby News. Star Media also organizes events in Christchurch, such as the City 2 Surf race.
See Also
- List of newspapers in New Zealand
