Staggering

Sad news from the New Statesman where political editor Martin Bright is leaving. Although it seems that John Pilger is staying contrary to Guardian reports.
What on earth is going on there what with that its incredible decision to recognise the NUJ? It may be that because Bright didn't get the editor's job he felt he had to move on.
At the Tribune Christmas party before Christmas there was optimism that the latest financial crisis might be resolved when the new owner takes over.
But as Dave Osler writes there is a wider issue about making left-wing publications attractive. There are some interesting comments following Dave's piece before it gets into a very boring and debate about angels and pinheads.
My two-penneth? Left-wing/progressive magazines don't pay and because I need to eat I need to look elsewhere. I'd love to submit to them lots of stories which would make readers sit up and take notice but I should be reimbursed for my labour.
Therefore the pool of available writers are restricted to those who don't rely on payment - a very limiting pool.
Red Pepper are among the worst on this as if writing for them is some kind of privilege or they are nurturing new talent. Tribune is at least apologetic and the New Statesman makes an effort.
My left-wing mag of choice? The Nation. You can have crap design in a print edition and still be a must read.