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Weekly newspaper revived almost 35 years after closure

A regional daily has revived a weekly sister newspaper which has not been published for almost 35 years.

The Bournemouth Echo has announced the launch of the Christchurch Times, which hit the streets for the first time since 1983 yesterday.

The Times, which is being distributed on a part paid-for and part-free basis, will have its own dedicated reporting team – including journalists Nick Churchill, Luke Hastings and Jason Lewis.

It will be available from retailers at 40p, though there will also be some bulk distribution and door-to-door delivery.

Christchurch Times

Its revival by Echo publisher Newsquest means the Christchurch edition of the free Advertiser series, which is published in several towns across Dorset, has now been closed.

Andy Martin, editor and head of news at the Echo, Advertiser and the Times, said: “This is a very special project for us. Christchurch is a great town and a wonderful place to live.

“The newspaper will have a particular feel about it, covering the issues, profiling the different communities across the borough and providing lots of news and information.”

He added: “It is very rare for newspaper publishers to launch new print editions so we are delighted and proud to be doing that in Christchurch.

“Everyone knows there is a big debate going on about the future of historic Christchurch and so now it’s a great time to launch a heritage title. You could say it’s back to the future.”

The first issue features a masthead first used by the Advertiser 100 years ago in 1917, as well as local news, nostalgia, sport, and its traditional back page vox pop.

Andy told HTFP: “One lady in her eighties rang us up to say she burst into tears when she saw it, saying she was crying when she read it because she had always wanted Christchurch to have its own newspaper.”

3 comments

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  • March 24, 2017 at 8:44 am
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    No doubt they will be employing reporters and a photographer to take on the extra workload

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  • March 24, 2017 at 9:54 am
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    should take out the IS from heading. Otherwise pretty good news.

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  • March 24, 2017 at 10:57 am
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    I don’t know much about the area or it’s papers but could this be the first sign of a reversal away from the mythical beast that is monetising digital and a return to old fashioned community newspapers?
    YLP in Norfolk are a good example of giving the community a genuine and hyper local news and advertising service which is growing in strength and knocking the bigger operators in Norwich into the distance.
    I do feel however,the over the top tale of the tearful old lady was unnecessarily gilding the lily

    One to watch to see how it goes
    Good luck to all

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