BREAKING NEWS: Stephen Royall’s extraordinary career in publishing has come to light as he reflects on his transformative journey from an advertising sales cadet to the advertising director at the Illawarra Mercury. Starting in 1976 and concluding his tenure in 2009, Royall witnessed monumental shifts in the industry that reshaped the way news and advertising operate today.
In a world where the publishing landscape was dominated by hot metal typesets and extensive classified sections, Royall began his role at the Mercury amidst a bustling environment. At that time, the Saturday edition boasted 50 pages of classified ads, with no online alternatives like Facebook Marketplace or Gumtree to compete against. “We took classifieds up until 9 PM on Friday night to start printing at 3 AM,” he stated, highlighting the urgency and traditional methods that characterized the industry.
Royall’s journey was marked by significant technological advances. He recalled how the Mercury transitioned from hot metal printing to color printing and ultimately to the computerization of operations. “It was a long process, but very interesting back in those days,” he reflected, emphasizing the labor-intensive nature of early publishing.
During his time, the advertising department was bustling with 80 employees, all dedicated to the meticulous process of typesetting and ad design. Royall described how their work involved direct interactions with clients, from selling advertising space to designing and producing the ads. “We would go out into the marketplace, deal with advertising clients, and then get production to make the ads,” he explained.
Royall also noted the dramatic evolution of advertisers. While enduring brands like Harvey Norman and Domain still thrive, smaller family-owned businesses once dominated the local market, a stark contrast to today’s landscape filled with multinational corporations. “Every suburb used to have a hardware store. Now, there’s only one in Albion Park, with a Bunnings nearby,” he remarked, underscoring the changing dynamics in local commerce.
As the industry continues to adapt and evolve, Royall’s legacy at the Illawarra Mercury serves as a poignant reminder of how far publishing has come. His insights into the past evoke a sense of nostalgia while highlighting the critical need for adaptation in a fast-paced digital world.
WHAT’S NEXT: As the publishing industry continues to innovate, stakeholders are watching closely to see how local papers will navigate an increasingly competitive environment. Royall’s experiences serve as a valuable lesson for emerging professionals in the field.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story and the future of publishing in the digital age.
