A new compact version of The Western Mail has gone on sale for the first time today.

The national newspaper of Wales announced plans to convert to the new format earlier this year, following “overwhelming support” for the idea from readers.

And after months of preparation which has included consultation with readers at every stage, the more modern, user-friendly format which readers have been asking for has finally been unveiled (below).

Editor Alan Edmunds said: “The new compact format allows us to deliver in-depth news, comment and analysis of the big issues impacting on Welsh lives in a more user-friendly fashion.

“It’s been put together in collaboration with our readers and we are really excited about it.”

In addition to the change in size, the paper has also taken the opportunity to introduce a series of new features and supplements, including a new daily Coffee Break section, Health Wales every Monday and a new expanded Golf Wales section on Fridays.

These are in addition to The Western Mail’s existing popular sections: Sport Wales, WM, Country and Farming, Business Wales, Appointments, Education Wales, Box Office and Motor Mail.

Other new daily features include Postcards from Wales, a daily Readers’ Poll, Morning Serial, and a brand-new four-page TV guide every weekday. The week is rounded off on Saturday with the Western Mail Magazine and Welsh Homes pullout.

The launch of the compact edition is being supported by an extensive month-long promotional campaign across Wales including TV, radio and outdoor, under the strapline: “The Western Mail – taking Wales into a new dimension.”

The change follows the opening of a new £18m printing press at the newly-built press hall in Pacific Park, Cardiff Bay, by the paper’s publisher, Western Mail & Echo Ltd, in July last year.

First published in 1869, The Western Mail has a circulation of 44,559 and is read by 182,838 people (JICREG May 1, 2004).

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