Ted Lucas was the owner of the Gazette at the time when Ken Barlow worked on the Weatherfield Recorder. Despite being in competition, Ted and Ken had a friendly respect for each other. In January 1990, when the Recorder secured a council contract from under the Gazette's nose, Ted called at the office both to congratulate Ken and offer to buy him out. With the Recorder circulation down, Ted warned Ken that another summer like the last one was likely to see him off, sweetening the deal by promising capital to restart and jobs for its staff. Optimistic due to the council contract, Ken flatly turned Ted down, but after a frank meeting with his accountant Rod Fielding, he changed his mind and agreed to the terms.