Record Herald sales after poll results

The Herald, March 5, 1980

A RECORD 80 000 copies of The Herald’s second edition were sold in Salisbury yesterday — coming off the presses just over three hours after the election results were announced.

A roar broke out from the crowd waiting for the papers and as the vans pulled away they were mobbed by eager buyers, some of them getting their news on the run.

One vendor lost 200 papers when they were snatched up after falling from his hands as he was unloading.

The second edition brought the total “print” of the Herald yesterday to 188 000, also a record.

LESSONS FOR TODAY

◆ Good news tend to sell very well. People are open to news that make them feel good. The release of election results was big news for the people of Zimbabwe as well as the international community since Zimbabwe was on the pinnacle of a major transition from colonial to majority rule.

◆ Businesses should always be on the look out to cash in on opportunities that may present themselves. The Herald took advantage of the announcement of the election results by printing a second edition and ensuring that they print a record 188 000 copies of which 80 000 copies were taken up.

◆ When some opportunities present themselves, it is important to be vigilant and well prepared.

The vendor in the story lost 200 copies because he was overwhelmed by the occasion leading to him dropping the papers while unloading.

For historical information contact: Zimpapers Knowledge Centre at Herald House on: +263 8677 004323; +263 0242 795771 E-mail: knowledgecentre@zimpapers.co.zw