Looks like The Courant (along with all other Tribune papers) will be going to a new, narrower page width, (known in the biz as a “web width reduction,”) according to this report.
This would not be the paper’s first, but if the trend continues at this rate (a width reduction every couple years since 2001), the paper will be printed on soda straw wrappers by the middle of the century — assuming it is printed at all.
Changes like this always create a flurry of work for the already overworked techies, but if the paper has to choose between fewer cereal makers or a smaller box, a smaller box is the better choice.
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This might explain the reluctance of late to do any real maintenance on The Courant’s presses and conveyor systems .
I’ve been through 3 web width reductions , and if I remember right , the last one was going to be from 50″ to 48″ and at the last minute the decision was made to go to 46″ .
The idea of going from 50″ straight to 44″ was floated at the time , but for The Courant’s presses it was said to be a very expensive proposition .
The folders will need to be seriously re-worked for a 44″ web width , and if I remember right , I was told that the cylinders will need complete replacement .
But of course , Chicago always knows best what is good for Hartford .