Sydney Morning Herald to remain a wrestle

Crikey reports today that the SMH and The Age are remaining in their frustratingly difficult format.

Great, there's nothing I like more than wrestling with those ridiculous, outdated sized pages in the morning. Especially when on public transport or, even better, a plane. This is despite major announcement last April that they were changing format. Everyone was optimistic especially as the New York Times had changed their format.

But alas it's not to be. Crikey dedicates eight paragraphs to the reason behind this. But it can be summarised in one word - advertising.

Yes, advertising is all that really matters in the publishing world. Just ask any exec at Fairfax, as they keep diminishing the number of journalists on staff.

More ads can be fitted on a larger page - which means more money.