While we take time to reflect on the past 200 issues of bnews, the paper has formed an historic alliance of queer independent media with a view to becoming a stronger publication.
Being an independent publishing house can be a little lonely. Sure, you get the freedom to write freely and passionately about GLBTI issues, but you also have to use your precious resources to fight off your more moneyed opposition.
Tired of losing big interviews and national advertising campaigns to our competitors, bnews united with every Australian independent gay and lesbian publication in a symbolic agreement to end our corporate loneliness.
The resulting body, Gay and Lesbian Australian Media Alliance (GLAMA) is a singular voice for independent queer media. Newspapers from four states, plus three national titles, have signed on, including several heavyweights. There’s Sydney Star Observer, Qnews (Qld), Blaze (South Australia), and OutInPerth (Western Australia) as well as LOTL, DNA and Bent. Last year the alliance supported many events across Australia as media partner, including Midsumma, the 1st Asia Pacific Outgames and ChillOut. This meant getting the message out across the country for festival organisers. It’s also a very strategic sales initiative, as our publisher, Tom Milosevic explains. “For our advertisers it’s a one-stop shop to reach this very discerning market of nearly a whopping one million readers without the headache of researching which publications are best read where and why.” But what does all this mean for readers? You get the work of Australia’s best GLBTI journalists, whether it’s hard news, queer entertainment or lifestyle, as well as interviews with time-poor A-list celebs (Rufus Wainwright, Cyndi Lauper and Olivia Newton-John spring to mind). “Each of the publications is a leader in is state, and by coming together we have ensured a stronger and more comprehensive news offering to gay and lesbians readers around the country,” says Sydney Star Observer’s publishing editor, Scott Abrahams. Details: www.glama.com.au by CATHY ANDERSON 
