Updated April 01, 2020 15:54:16
News Corp says it will suspend printing of 60 community newspapers in New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland and South Australia from April 9.
The organisation said advertising revenues had rapidly declined after the restrictions placed on real estate auctions and home inspections, and the forced closure of event venues and dine-in restaurants during the coronavirus pandemic.
The move follows the news of the closure of several Victorian independent newspapers last month as a result of a decline in revenue resulting from the pandemic.
A statement released by News Corp said the community mastheads would "continue to publish digitally with reporters and photographers expanding News Corp's hyper-local news coverage for consumers across Australia".
News Corp Australasia executive chairman Michael Miller said the decision to suspend printing of its community newspapers was not taken lightly.
He said News Corp remained committed to serving Australia's many communities with trusted, professional journalism.
The impact of COVID-19 on the community newspapers came on top of the toll on media from the refusal of digital platforms to pay publishers to use their content, Mr Miller said.
He said during the COVID-19 emergency News Corp's main priority was to preserve jobs and get the company in a strong position to counter the crisis.
"During this unprecedented time it is imperative that we reduce costs while continuing to keep the community informed and doing all we can to retain jobs," Mr Miller said.
"The print suspension will allow us to assess the shape of the market itself and future conditions, taking into account how the coronavirus situation unfolds in the coming period."
The statement also said News Corp would give community newspaper readers the opportunity to take up a free 28-day digital subscription.
The offer allows access to the websites, apps and mobile sites of News's metro mastheads the Herald Sun, The Daily Telegraph, The Courier-Mail and The Advertiser.
Topics:media,print-media,journalism,rural-media,covid-19,diseases-and-disorders,business-economics-and-finance,australia,nsw,qld,vic,sa
First posted April 01, 2020 11:11:28
Read more from the original source:
News Corp to suspend 60 community newspapers across the country because of coronavirus - ABC News
MTN Rwanda has announced that is has put in place additional interventions to support the Governments efforts to communicate and raise awareness on precautionary measures to prevent and contain the spread of Covid-19.
Driven by the belief that everyone deserves the benefits of a modern connected life, MTN has rolled out a series of mobile connectivity, digital and mobile fintech solutions for its communities.
MTNs priority is keeping people connected during this period. We need to play our part in the alleviation of the economic, social and educational impact through the support of key institutions such as Health, ICT and Education, said MTN CEO, Mitwa Ngambi.
The company, through its Foundation, has donated Frw 10 million to Rwanda Biomedical Centre to support them as they work tirelessly to stop the spread of the virus and has offered free MTN calls among health workers for a period of 90 days.
MTN has also availed free media channel space (radio, TV, social media, SMS, Ring Back Tone, IVR platform) to promote the Ministry of Healths sensitization messages.
In partnership with the Ministry of Education and Ministry of ICT and Innovation, MTN has made online access to Rwandan universities and school websites free to allow students to access in house learning materials.
Students can access https://elearning.reb.rw/, https://elearning.ur.ac.rw/ and https://elearning.rp.ac.rw/ at any time without consuming any data.
We know how important it is to support continued learning for students during this period when institutions of learning are closed. To this end, we have zero-rated some educational websites to enable learners to access core curriculum materials and facilitate distance learning, she added.
In a bid to better serve customers in this period and beyond, MTN through its Digital platforms, recently announced that it has also increased the daily limit on Airtime Transfer (Me2U) from Rwf 3,000 to Rwf 6,000 as well as increased the airtime account balance limit from Rwf 500,000 to Rwf 1,000,000.
In cooperation with the Central Bank of Rwanda to drive cashless payments, MTN Rwanda recently waived fees on sending money to others, on all transactions from Banks to MoMo wallets and vice versa, as well as payments for goods and services using MoMoPay for a period of 90 days.
Social distancing amongst other precautionary interventions has undoubtedly increased the importance of communities staying digitally connected. In light of this, MTN has seen a spike in Internet traffic.
Indicating how the company plans to deal with the upsurge in online traffic and network load, Mrs. Ngambi said, We have noted an increase in internet traffic, almost doubling in residential areas due to the current situation. We have taken immediate actions to optimize and expand the existing network resources to accommodate the increase in demand over the coming weeks.
A key priority for MTN is to ensure business continuity. Services over this time will be even more critical, so priority is ensuring network continuity, availability of spares and equipment and the upgrading of capacity.
MTN Rwanda has taken a series of precautionary measures to ensure continuity of services and the safety of its stakeholders including employees, customers, communities and suppliers against the outbreak.
All recommended and necessary prevention mechanisms have been put in place in all MTN touchpoints.
A work-from-home plan for employees has been implemented in order to reduce the number of employees in offices and Service Centres at a given time and provisioning of hand sanitizers and temperature screening at all points.
Franchisees, Agents and Suppliers/Service Providers have also been guided to ensure that they are taking the same precautionary and preventative measures.
Customers can seek MTN services through the call centre by dialling 100, visit the Service Centres from 8am to 3pm or engage MTN agents that remain operational to ensure continued Mobile Money and airtime service delivery.
To curb the spread of Covid-19, Rwanda Utilities and Regulatory Authority (RURA) has put in place measures for Agents to adhere to when conducting transactions with customers.
MTN Mobile Money and Airtime Agents must wear gloves and masks at all times and keep a 1 metre distance from customers.
They are not allowed to work under the same umbrella/station nor exchange mobile devices. Agents who violate these set guidelines will be subject to penalties which may include closure of their businesses.
MTN Rwandas top priorities are to keep our customers connected and our employees safe and healthy. We stand ready to leverage our core expertise, technology and infrastructure to support and align our response with the efforts of the Government to contain and mitigate the spread of Covid-19, Mrs. Ngambi said.
Original post:
MTN Rwanda Ramps Up Efforts to Support Communities In The Fight Against Covid-19 - Taarifa Rwanda
Here at Townsquare Media, we want to help Keep Texarkana Moving. Texarkana is our home and we want to help get the word out about businesses that are staying open for business during the COVID-19 Coronavirus outbreak. If you are healthy, please join us in supporting these businesses.
Unfortunately, hair and nail salons in Arkansas have had to close due to Governor Asa Hutchinson and hair and nail salons, barbershops and tattoo parlors on the Texas side of Texarkana will close Thursday, March 26 at 11:59PM until further notice.
We are trying our best to make this list as accurate as possible so if you see that a business on the list is no longer open or you know of one that is open but not on our list, please let us know!
Ace Mobile Homes 5179 HWY 59 in Texarkana, Texas
Air Now Heating & Air Conditioningopen and operating business as usual.(903) 792-2665
AMERICAN Signs & Banners1813 Jim Walter Drive Texarkana Arkarkansas Open normal business hours(870) 772-0309
Arkansas Graphics: Arkansas Graphics is still open for business as normal.
Ark-La-Tex Healthcare1414 Arkansas Blvd.(870) 773-7246
Ashley HomeStore Free Garage Delivery for all in-store and phone orders now thru the end of March
Avis Budget Group: 305 Airport Drive, Texarkana Arkansas. Due to limited air travel, airport office closing early 3/18/20- 03/20/20. Open: 8am. Closing 6pm.(870) 773-1861
B & B Sewing and Vacuum Center - 2411 Texas Blvd Open Regular Business Hours M-F and Sat 10-1pm
Baymont Inn & Suites on State Line Ave is open 24 hours
Bearded Brothers Customs and Detailing302 Hickory building 1 Open forauto details, minor mechanic work, window tinting and electronic install.(870) 279-4331 or (903) 255-8341
Brooke HashKeepin' it Clean Cleaning services! Available for quotes and cleanings!870-703-4018
Blue Gorilla Garage- 6905 Alumax Rd. Texarkana, Texas.
Central Mall Monday-Saturday 11AM to 7PM. On Sundays, the mall will be open from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m
Century 21 All Points Realty - is open for business. Their lobby is closed to the public with appointment only but all agents are working remotely
Chubby Cheeks Liquor- open 9AM- !2AM Monday -Saturday. 820 Realtor Road, Texarkana Arkansas.(870) 772-0613
Classic Auto Park- 4333 Mall Drive Texarkana, Texas. Open M S 9AM - 6PM
Classic Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram 1102 Walton Drive Texarkana Texas. Open M S 9AM - 6PM
Classic Kia 902 Walton Drive Open M S 9AM - 6PM
Commercial National Bank: Commercial National Bank is open with drive-thru services. Banking needs that cannot be accommodated in this manner will be available by appointment only by calling 870-773-4561.
The Computer Hut: Can help others to set up their remote work station at home. bcromer@comphut.com 903-278-2474
Connections Learning Center/Lil Tykes Tutoring is offering one on one mobile tutoring for children ages Kinder-12th grade
Cool Tanz and Spa Arkansas Blvdand Richmond Road a is open with amended hours 11-7 mon-fri and 12-5 sat-sun
Cranford Land Management(903) 293-5567
Custom Diesel and RV - 5736 E. 9th St. Texarkana Arkansas regular hours
Castle Family Dental- 3210 Richmond Road Texarkana Texas Open normal business hours(903) 832-3146
Dog Patch Pet Shop - 5031 W. Park Road, Texarkana Texas Open for Pet Food and supplies 9AM - 5:30(903) 792-5697
Edible Arrangements 4501 North Stateline Open 9a-7p Monday -Friday, Saturday 9a-5p Sundays 10a-3p (903) 306-0177
Elara Caring - providinga wide-range of in-home clinical services with focus on recovery, rehabilitation and health education.of home-based careABlair@Elara.com
Elite Mechanical Heat and Air Services in Fouke is open.(870) 653-6649
Emma's Grand Divine CreationsCookie Shop2411 N. Stateline AveTexarkana, Texas. Open Tuesday through Saturday 11:00 a.m. until 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. until sold out. Hours are subject to change.
Firmin's Office City: We are open and taking and delivering orders.(903) 793-5566
Garretts Sporting Goods at 3102 Richmond Road is open.(903) 293-0505
Giles Body Shop, 320 S Kings Hwy, Texarkana Texas 903-831-3546 open Monday - Friday 8am - 5pm
Gregg Orr Marine4021 Mall Drive Texarkana, Texas - Open M S 9AM - 6PM
Gregg Orr Extreme - 941 N. Constitution Ashdown, Arkansas Open M - S 9AM - 6PM
Hampton by Hilton at 5302 Crossroads Parkway in Texarkana, Arkansas(870) 774-4267.
HK Electric - in Nash, Texas(903) 831-2306
H&N Landscaping / Nursery/ Floral and Gift shop 7801 North Stateline Texarkana Texas Hours Monday - Friday 8-5 Saturday8-3 (903) 792-0831
Jacksons Almost Everything - 715 N. Stateline Texarkana Texas(903) 792-7929
Jr. Building Supplies101 S. Robinson Road(430) 200-0497
Ledwell Machinery - 910 Eastloop Drive, Texarkana Texas(903) 838-6531
Ledwell Office Solution3200 Court Street Texarkana Texas (903) 794-3113
Michaels Crafts Store3401 Mall Drive Texarkana, Texas(903) 223-1152
Micah's Jewelers. 2812 Richmond Road. They are offering pick up and delivery if needed for any jewelry repair.(903) 735-2336
Northeast Texas Small Business Development Center: Offices will be open beginning Monday, March 23
Painting with a Twist - 2700 Richmond Road is currently open. They are keeping all open classes at 10reservations or less.(903) 244-7879
Pet Passages- 10178 Hwy 71 in Fouke Arkansas. Crematorium and funeral home for pets is open(870) 653-2458
Post Acute Medical Specialty Hospital of Texarkana2400 St. Micael Drive is open and will remain so. Offering acute care hospitalization for patients in the Ark-La-Tex.(903) 614-7600
Perfume Boutique in Central Mall is open Monday - Saturday 11 am- 7 pm. Sunday 12.30 pm- 6 pm.903-223-5298
Queen City Tire and Roadside - Open If you need any help they will come to you or you can pull in and they will come to you and fix your tires. They have a service truck. Call (903) 908-4949
Red River Sanitors Janitorial Cleaning Texarkana Texas (318) 572-7520
Reliance Mechanical Contractors - HVAC, Plumbing, & Piping 1001 Alumax Road Texarkana, Texas(903) 223-0946
RnR Tire Express 3905 New Boston Road, Open Monday -Friday 9AM-6PM Saturdays 9-5, closed Sunday
Sammys Doggie Daycare and Boarding located 3101 West Main Street, Atlanta,Texas.(903) 799-7700
Shelby's Service Center 2003 College Dr is open Monday-Friday 7:30-5:30
Smiles of Arkansas Dental Centers- all locations are postponing regular appointments. Only accepting urgent and emergency care patients through March 31. Call one of their locations if you have an emergency or question.
Singing Telegrams of Arkansas is still delivering to Texarkana and offering $25 off all delivery services(870) 221-1557
Super Splash Car Wash Arkansas Blvd. Open Monday- Saturday 9AM- 4PM weather permitting.
SWBC Mortgage: 3101 Kennedy Lane Suite 200 Open with normal hours. (903) 223-5632
Tammie Flanagan Luthringer Physical Therapy and Wellness(903) 277- 9424
Texarkana Tent & Awning 605 Texas Blvd. (903) 794-2911
Texarkana Tractor -7478 Hampton Road Texarkana Texas. Open normal business hours M-F 8a 5p andSaturday 8a - noon(903) 838-4377
If you are a business that is open please let us know by texting us at the link below. This list will be updated daily.
See the rest here:
Updated: 'Keep Texarkana Moving' - These Businesses Are Open - kkyr.com