Series 2 - New Statesman correspondence

1 file

Following a large drop in sales in 1971 The New Statesman found itself fighting for survival. The contents of this file span this period of uncertainty for the paper. The order of the documents has not been altered, they follow a vaguely chronological sequence.

Much of the correspondence focuses on the assessment of the role of The New Statesman and suggestions for pushing the paper forward. Contributions appear to be from a wide range of employees including Baistow himself, however, many of the letters are only intialled, signed illegibly or not signed at all.

There is a small selection of letters of appreciation received by Baistow around the time of his retirement. These are the only documents in the file that are of a more personal nature, rather than being directly related to the activites of the paper.*

Key pieces in the file include (they appear in the order in which they are stored):

• New Statesman Style Guide, 1 March 1974

• Staff list with telephone numbers, September 1975.*

• A 26 page report written by the Editor [of four months] detailing problems with the paper and suggestions as to how they can be overcome.*

• A seemingly anonymous letter, maybe written by Baistow, criticising the above report.

• A discussion document prepared by the NUJ chapel for the directors and editor advising that the paper undertakes a radical reassessment of its role and its potential consistency. The 5 page document offers an analysis and suggestions to aid the future of the paper, 2 January 1972.

• A 17 page report with appendices written for the board by Hugh de Quetteville, a consultant hired by the paper, which analyses all aspects of the New Statesman, 23 February 1972.

• New Statesman leaflet detailing terms of employment for workers, 1 January 1972.

• A New Statesman subject matter analysis January 1969 to December 1971.

Some records closed in line with Data Protection.