Presentation and the variety of local news may be the key to future success for local newspapers, according to the new president of The Newspaper Society.

Sir Nicholas Hewitt, who is also chairman and managing director of the Barnsley Chronicle, said he was optimistic, despite predictions of doom and gloom fro media pundits.

He claimed that while characteristics of newspapers were important to readers, the content would determine the industry’s future.

Addressing the Newspaper Society’s Council meeting, he said: “No other media has the resources to collect and distribute local news in the depth that we have.

“I am sure the figures show that the more local the news is, the stronger the title.

“But it is not just about local news; it is about what local news we carry and how we present it. People’s perceptions change, they want shorter stories, more fun and plenty of variety.

“We have to make every square centimetre of editorial space work as best we can.

“I do not believe there is a universal formula.

“Just as people in the south prefer unsalted butter, so news tastes vary – local tastes are paramount.”

He said the industry needed to pursue “well thought out localness” at all costs, and pursue editorial excellence every day and every week.