OUR Times celebrates its 25th birthday this week.
In an ever-changing world and one where there are so many fly-by-nights who believe a quick buck can be made by selling ads and putting a rag together, this is surely no mean feat. Having started off as a free sheet the publication grew into a respected and sought after newspaper that can stand its own in any company.
As founder Anthony Katz remarked: "For Our Times to survive it would not only have to become a living thing, it would have to distinguish itself in a very competitive market.”
Although there were many tough times the paper survived and all concerned can look back with pride. Although it was not always smooth-sailing the paper managed to distinguish itself, as it served the people of the Kouga tirelessly for more than a quarter of a century.
We salute our advertisers with whom we have a great working relationship and who have been the saving grace of Our Times over the past 25 years. Always putting the customer first and forging bonds that have stood the test of time, Our Times staff have made many friends among the advertisers.
A few diehard clients have been with us from day one while many other loyal customers have come on board since and we are very grateful to each and every one.
Our Times has always maintained one editorial policy: Telling it like it is – something which has not endeared us to everyone and cost us some clients over the years. However, we never jeopardised our integrity for the sake of a few rand.
Keeping a job is never easy yet the core staff of Our Times has seen very little change over the years.The majority have been with the company for 20 years or more. They have become a close-knit family who look out for one another, grieve together, laugh together, fight among themselves and most of all, care for each other. Outsiders have a hard time trying to penetrate this core but once you have paid your dues you are in (the family).
Initially Katz was the editor but after the publication was sold the position was always filled by someone from Port Elizabeth. The local office is managed by a news editor. Katz handed over the reins to Peter Randall who in turn passed them on to Cal Seaton-Smith.
When Seaton- Smith retired Jeremy McCabe took charge until last year when the editor of The Herald, Heather Robertson became the editor of Avusa Community Newspapers which includes Our Times.
Although Robertson is the editor, the day to day running of the newspaper is in the hands of executive editor, Samantha Smith.
– Cindy Liebenberg (News Editor)
In an ever-changing world and one where there are so many fly-by-nights who believe a quick buck can be made by selling ads and putting a rag together, this is surely no mean feat. Having started off as a free sheet the publication grew into a respected and sought after newspaper that can stand its own in any company.
As founder Anthony Katz remarked: "For Our Times to survive it would not only have to become a living thing, it would have to distinguish itself in a very competitive market.”
Although there were many tough times the paper survived and all concerned can look back with pride. Although it was not always smooth-sailing the paper managed to distinguish itself, as it served the people of the Kouga tirelessly for more than a quarter of a century.
We salute our advertisers with whom we have a great working relationship and who have been the saving grace of Our Times over the past 25 years. Always putting the customer first and forging bonds that have stood the test of time, Our Times staff have made many friends among the advertisers.
A few diehard clients have been with us from day one while many other loyal customers have come on board since and we are very grateful to each and every one.
Our Times has always maintained one editorial policy: Telling it like it is – something which has not endeared us to everyone and cost us some clients over the years. However, we never jeopardised our integrity for the sake of a few rand.
Keeping a job is never easy yet the core staff of Our Times has seen very little change over the years.The majority have been with the company for 20 years or more. They have become a close-knit family who look out for one another, grieve together, laugh together, fight among themselves and most of all, care for each other. Outsiders have a hard time trying to penetrate this core but once you have paid your dues you are in (the family).
Initially Katz was the editor but after the publication was sold the position was always filled by someone from Port Elizabeth. The local office is managed by a news editor. Katz handed over the reins to Peter Randall who in turn passed them on to Cal Seaton-Smith.
When Seaton- Smith retired Jeremy McCabe took charge until last year when the editor of The Herald, Heather Robertson became the editor of Avusa Community Newspapers which includes Our Times.
Although Robertson is the editor, the day to day running of the newspaper is in the hands of executive editor, Samantha Smith.
– Cindy Liebenberg (News Editor)