Here's the background:

We used to get an electronic copy sent to us by a sympathetic person.  It was not an "official" arrangement but I understand it was done with the full knowledge of the Editor.

But in July, the Managing Editor of Internal Communications, Stephen James-Yeoman, stopped the supply.

I have emailed him, twice, to ask him to reconsider, first on July 13th then again on the 30th.  But he has not replied.

Shame - but typical of the "new" BBC especially the "no reply" bit

I'd reply if it wasn't so expensive.

If it's free for staff it should be at least at a big discounted price for retired staff.  Not at the same price as everybody else.

Richard

Dear Stephen.
I worked in the BBC for well over thirty years and left in 2008.

Since then I have been posting on the forum for ex BBC staff which keeps me informed of all things BBC past and present.

I have enjoyed reading the online version of aerial which I read weekly when I was employed in Glasgow but notice that it is no longer available online on the ex staff website.

I am writing to ask if there are plans to reinstate this facility so that ex BBC employees can continue to keep abreast of current events within the corporation.
Yours Sincerely

And the prompt reply....

Sent: 07 October 2010 10:57
To: Stephen James-Yeoman
Subject: Aerial Online.

Hello

Ariel does offer a subscription facility so that those former staff members are able to continue to receive the newspaper. You can arrange a subscription by phoning 0161 485 6540.

I hope this helps,

Thanks,
Stephen

No surprises then....

Hasn't this fellow (Stephen James-Yeoman) realised that, by publishing Ariel electronically to the 400 or so current members (and the many other "Guests" who come here to read it) it is both more economical and "greener" that an electronic copy be made available than to have the extra paper and ink used, as well as the 'postal load' being avoided? After all, it is already electronically typeset, and I assume that previously there's been no extra work involved by Ariel staff before it can be displayed here.
Given that the print run is already fully paid for by the BBC (whether all the copies are picked up and read or not!) surely it is being little but spiteful to us "old hands" to require us to pay towards something which is already budgeted for. Even if we did all pay £1 a week (a total of £20K per annum) - which is really way beyond its true "value" - it would make next to no difference to the finances of the section producing the news-sheet in the long run - or to the BBC in general.
Besides, why isn't Ariel already available electronically to the working staff? Surely that's where the biggest saving is to be had.

So why not make Ariel freely available via a pdf on-line for everyone?

That way there would be no printing costs.
Only those that were interested would access it.
There would be a greater circulation outside the BBC (retired staff etc) and hence a greater income from advertising.

It would be easier to edit and produce, as the page layout would not be dependant upon numbers of pages, and it could be 'right-up-to-date'.

Distribution costs within BBC buildings would be reduced.

Come on, Mr. Stephen James-Yeoman, get into the 21st century,
let us all have access to Ariel.
OK, so you will lose some (but not all) of your £7,500 income from subscriptions, most of which you'll make up in increased advertising revenue, but you will save a lot on postage, distribution (within the BBC) and printing costs.

Perhaps we should send Mr Yeoman a link to this thread.
If he sees the circulation and the money figures he may reconsider.

The sad fact is that auntie is so driven to make/save cash these days that she will do anything to prevent even loyal ex-staff members from benefitting from a potentially profit making venture.

Blinkered and uncaring auntie...you should be ashamed!