The Surrey Mirror and Dorking Advertiser titles will convert from broadsheet to tabloid format next week.

Northcliffe’s Surrey Mirror series incorporates four editions covering the Reigate, Redhill, Gatwick, Horley and Tandridge areas, while the Advertiser has two editions covering Dorking and Leatherhead.

The titles, which have a combined circulation of 25,000, were among those bought by Northcliffe from Trinity Mirror last year.

The move will see the current three-section broadsheet format replaced with a single-section full-colour tabloid covering news, sport, classified, jobs and motors, alongside a 24-page entertainment pull-out.

New content will include a monthly column from newsreader Nicholas Owen, who began his career on the Surrey Mirror.

Ian Carter, editor-in-chief of East Surrey and Sussex News and Media, said: “This was not a decision we rushed into because all editions have been performing very well sales-wise.

“But the experience we had when we converted sister title the Croydon Advertiser from broadsheet to tabloid in 2006 made it clear we would be able to offer our readers a better all-round package in this format.

“The titles cover some very traditional areas – particularly Dorking – so we have been careful to make sure there is no change to the paper’s tone or style.”

The tabloid conversion is taking place in the same week East Surrey and Sussex News and Media replaces its current Quark system with Tera.

Ian said: “It’s made it a very challenging time for the editorial team but so far they have responded in style.”

Comments

Beth (08/02/2008 13:42:56)
I don’t see how the Advertiser can possibly fail to change in style. Croydon couldn’t be more different to Dorking and Leatherhead, and a tabloid will not be well-received I fear. Different case for Surrey Mirror of course which is just a younger place and slightly more urban in parts.

Chris (08/02/2008 19:16:53)
As a trainee journalist myself what does it matter what format the papers are in?
And I happen to live near the areas of Leatherhead and Dorking –
In my opinion online journalism is the future here anyway! Visit www.the-latest.com – this is the future!

Sam (13/02/2008 20:34:58)
Chris –
My sentiments entirely! Keep an eye on the Surrey Advertiser website as we start experimenting more with video clips and multimedia.