It’s one of the oldest adages around, “watch what they do, not what they say” and nowhere is that more appropriate than in the media. It always pays to watch the actions of senior management, especially when delivering praise.

Take the staff of FPC, the country’s third largest magazine group after the empires of the two Kerrys, who have just again learned that lesson after a rather large internal re-organisation, only weeks after the CEO said how wonderfully well the group did in the December half.

FPC is part of the Hannan family’s printing and publishing empire based in Sydney – the company’s website is here.

On that website there are two media statements, both pointing out that FPC did very well in the December half circulation and readership figures. This is what FPC CEO Michael McHugh gushed in reacting to the magazine circulation figures:

“FPC Magazines’ market share is growing more rapidly than any other publisher. We have been able to achieve this growth on the basis of understanding our markets and delivering a superior product.”

“Our philosophy to find out what consumers want and deliver on their needs has paid off,” added McHugh. “Delicious magazine exemplifies this approach with phenomenal growth of 14.1% year on year.”

Just wonderful stuff that would gladden the hearts of all staff.

After the Readership figures from Roy Morgan, similar comments:

“FPC’s overall share increased to 10.1% with the addition of 50,000 extra readers for the January to December 2004 period. This growth occurred against a backdrop of an overall 2.9% decline in total magazine readership.

“Mr Michael McHugh CEO of FPC Magazines said FPC’s strong results were highlighted by the fact that its key magazines were star performers in each of its main publishing categories including mass, food, homemaker and fashion, going against the trend in most cases.”

On reading that you’d be excused for thinking it was a bit too self congratulatory. But who else is going to sing your praises? Not your opposition!

Read on for all the details of the management reshuffle on the site here: https://uat.crikey.com.au/articles/2005/03/004-0001-6136.html