A weekly newspaper dating back to the late 1700s will be sporting a new look from next week.

Next Thursday’s edition of the Shrewsbury Chronicle will not only be showcasing the result of a redesign but will also be the first edition of the new part paid-for, paid-free model, as first reported on HTFP last month.

The Chronicle, owned by the Midland News Association, will be delivered free to around 30,000 homes in the town while copies in the surrounding villages will cost 40p – a drop of 10p.

Most recent figures show the Chronicle had a weekly circulations of just over 14,000. Sister paper the North Shropshire Chronicle is also being revamped and will also see its price fall to 40p.

The company says the Chronicle “will combine the best of the old with the brightest of the new, ensuring readers receive all the latest news and views on events in their town in a 21st century format”.

Property and entertainment pages have been revamped, coinciding with last month’s official opening of the new £28m theatre in Shrewsbury town centre, and there will be dedicated motoring, dining and business pages.

The relaunch comes on the back of the recent departure of weekly series editor John Butterworth and a staff shake-up at the Midland News Association costing around 130 positions.

Shropshire Newspapers MD Colin Spicer said: “These are exciting times for the Chronicle.

“We are certain this new formula will give readers what they want in terms of quality, local editorial while at the same time providing advertisers with a brilliant vehicle with which to reach their target audience.

“The Chronicle has been the heart and soul of Shrewsbury since it was first published in 1772 and this move will help it cement that position for many more years to come.

“The newspaper will be seen by more people than ever before and we are sure they will like what they see.

“The response from local advertisers has been overwhelmingly positive and we are certain the new paper will meet their changing needs.”

Comments

Wilhemina Spratt (24/04/2009 10:57:04)
130 job losses. Yes, these certainly are ‘exciting times’ Mr Spicer.