What to do with the BJ: A story from 1969

A few posts below someone asked what changes we would like to see in the Beacon Journal operations. Here’s a report from volume 2, issue No. 4 of Tower Topics from July 1969. It’s a report which notes that the late Bill Schlemmer, then managing editor, was studying just that. Also in that issue is a lead article by Mickey Porter about plans for the BJ Jamboree at Myers Lake Park. Well there are no more Jamborees, no more Meyers Lake Park, no Beacon Magazine, no more afternoon newspapers. But here’s the story:

Managing Editor Bill Schlemmer has been TDY'd [ a 1960s expression for temporary duty] to the general manager's office for the next few months to research the feasibility of making changes in the Beacon Journal's current method of operation.

Among things Schlemmer is studying is the possibility of converting the Saturday paper to a morning publication like Sunday. Among considerations is how many subscribers are off on Saturday, like Sunday, and would an a. m. edition better serve the reader and advertiser· during a leisure period.

Another subject under study is our edition structure. We now have eight editions Seven star for Northern Summit County including Copley and Tallmadge; Six star for Barberton, Norton and Portage Lakes; Five star for Medina County; Four star for Stark and Wayne counties; Three star for Portage counties; Two star the Cuyahoga Falls area; One star for Akron and Night Final for late street sales.

SCHLEMMER IS trying to determine whether we can adequately cover this broad area under our present setup, taking into account reader acceptability, mechanics and logistics.

"The idea is that we have to stay abreast of our readers' desires and needs," said GM Sam McKeel, "and make sure we are able to continue to grow and expand in the areas we serve."

At this time it is not known whether there will be fewer or more editions. "We're just taking a good internal look and we hope to set up goals for the future," said Schlemmer. He is also taking an analytical look at Parade Magazine and its value . . . whether to discontinue it and beef up Beacon Magazine.

He also is looking at the advertising and circulation operations, particularly at the 30,000 readers who subscribe only on Sunday.