How-Do understands that the project will be led by Sarah Hartley, the recently departed head of online editorial for the embattled MEN Media group, a sister firm of The Guardian.

Cuts for MEN

In its 'Guardian Cities Desirability Concept' questionnaire - that the paper circulated to a selection of cultural and media players in Manchester last year - it was suggested that, if the site ever came to fruition, it would "connect you with your local community, cover local issues and provide you with information that was highly relevant to your area."

This was expected to include an element of listings and an emphasis on blogs.

It now appears that the project is progressing from the research stage to reality, and that this is the initiative that Hartley recently told How-Do was an opportunity "too good to miss."

Hartley to head it up?

The Guardian meanwhile has now contacted How-Do to confirm that Hartley is joining the team. A spokesperson said that her role would be "to look at developmental projects which might include a local element."

However, they noted that rumours of an imminent local launch in Manchester were "wide of the mark since we are still
exploring what, where and when we might do (it)."

If the site is set to launch it is sure to be met with a mixed reaction in some quarters. A number of commentators have already suggested to How-Do that GMG, which operates both the Guardian and MEN Media, is guilty of at best bad timing and at worst insensitivity to the staff at its established North West base.

The MEN is currently undergoing well-publicised swathes of cuts to pare back on costs and has been forced to shed staff across all departments. At the same time it would appear that GMG is investing in an expansion of The Guardian brand into the regional marketplace.

www.guardian.co.uk

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Comments (17)

1  By George Dearsley , on 27-05-2009 12:32 Can someone please explain the logic to me? If the MEN's website (didn't it win awards?) is not able to 'connect users with their local community' then someone should be kicked up the backside. The last thing it needs is a (no doubt much better funded) rival setting up. Or is this just the beginning of the end for the MEN and a desperate bid to bolster the (loss making) Guardian brand? Anyway, who is for a front row seat at the cannibals' garden party? Report

7  By George Dearsley , on 27-05-2009 16:09 I'm obliged to my old pal and ex Press Gazette news editor Jon Slattery who blogs at the URL above for this piece of insight: "The Guardian thinks it is good at websites and according to The Sunday Times GMG might flog the MEN to Trinity as it would be a good fit with the Liverpool Post & Echo, once Government gives go-ahead to more regional mergers." So there you have it. But it does not seem good news for the MEN. Report