Not long after the, er, reshuffling of several English language magazines in Beijing, this news comes out of Shanghai:

About a week ago, a source sent us the following email:

Since you carried a news item on the new Shanghai Star publications early this year when they were launched you might be interested in hearing the latest in this sad saga.

The following note is being sent to freelancers who wrote for Shanghai Star Weekend and Shanghai Star Business Journal by a representative of Bridgehead Media, the company that had subcontracted some of the production and advertising work of the new look publications from China Daily the owner of the titles:

"I am sure you have already heard that Bridgehead Media is closed and out of business, (former CEO) Greg Burnard has been misrepresenting a false investor as well as a false attorney, additionally he committed fraud and embezzlement of company funds. He is currently being sought by the police and it is our understanding he has already vacated his flat and is on the move, please let us know if you hear or see him as this will be passed to the authorities. Additionally in regards to freelance payments, as the company is out of business there will be no freelance payments available."

All of Bridgehead's employees have been laid off (around 30 to 40 people), and the Shanghai Star writers and editors have been told their May salaries, due to be paid on June 1, won't be paid until the end of the month.

Apparently Bridgehead, or what is left of it, is now telling freelancers they will eventually get paid, but not for awhile. Staff paychecks will be about a month late.

Mr Burnard's whereabouts are unknown.