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Freesheet boss praises rival newspaper as first edition hits streets

A new weekly newspaper praised its main competitor as it hit the streets for the first time this week.

The Times of Tunbridge Wells published its inaugural issue as 30,000 copies were made available from more than 150 outlets across the town, as well as being handed out by teams of hawkers.

An online edition of the freesheet has also launched, with the first front page carrying news that the Times has launched a ‘Dragons’ Den’ style £5m fund to boost local businesses.

Page two of the 72-page paper featured a comment piece from editorial director Richard Moore entitled ‘What’s the point of another local paper?’, in which he gave credit to the town’s existing Kent and Sussex Courier title.

Tunbridge

He wrote: “We truly believe that there’s a place in Tunbridge Wells for an alternative voice, a quality weekly newspaper that comes free with relevant local news and features. One that is different.

“That’s not to say we don’t think the existing newspaper in the town, the Kent and Sussex Courier, is not doing a good job.

“It certainly is and we admire and respect the role it plays.

“We just happened to think there’s room for another printed media platform. One that is different.”

Richard added he believed the Times’s editorial policy of carrying national and international news would make it different.

Speaking after the release, Richard added: “We have identified a niche in the market and believe the new title will be well received.

“We have been extremely encouraged by market reaction so far. The newspaper has already generated 30 per cent of its targeted annual income.”

According to last week’s ABC figures, the Local World-owned Kent and Sussex Courier currently sells 20,754 copies weekly.

10 comments

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  • March 6, 2015 at 7:32 am
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    I have lived in Tunbridge wells all my life,lived in southborough for 45 years and I cannot get over how southborough/Tunbridge wells council have let southborough go to rack and ruin.they are going to destroy the royal Victoria hall where years of neglect have bought it to it’s knees,next is going to be the library and now I have just heard that they are going to knock down the old peoples flats in pinewood gardens and throw the residents anywhere that they can find a place for the residents.the residents are very upset to say the least as they are very happy as they are happy in their little community.but they are old so who cares!!! I hope that you read this and do a story as the kent & sussex courier do not say anything against either council-no guts.yours graham roberts

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  • March 6, 2015 at 12:59 pm
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    Lucky Tunbridge Wells. two papers based there. Lewes, not far away and capital of East Sussex, has no newspaper based there. But then I think it is owned by Johnston Press?

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  • March 6, 2015 at 1:46 pm
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    Just for record Simon De M.
    Lewes is still served by local paper, but few remaining staff based near Burgess Hill, about ten miles away, since closure of Sussex Express Lewes office. Yes, it is a JP paper.

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  • March 6, 2015 at 1:48 pm
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    Generous tribute to the Courier.
    I suspect the feeling won’t be mutual!

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  • March 6, 2015 at 1:54 pm
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    Hell of a start with £5 million fund splash. It is hard for a paid for to compete with a good quality free paper, despite the kind words. Newsquest once had superb free papers, but now reduced to rags. As for JP, their frees are worth every penny.

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  • March 6, 2015 at 5:08 pm
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    Sounds like the old football manager snaring the opposition with praise. How many new jobs did they say?

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  • March 6, 2015 at 6:30 pm
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    As someone who works for a daily competition is always good – whether it is competing tabloids, broadsheets or locals. It is good for the readers and the journos. And having picked up both newspapers this week I think Tunbridge Wells is lucky.
    Commentator Graham Roberts obviously hasn’t picked up the Kent and Sussex Courier as had the story about the care home closures, update on the Vic Hall and a front story of people slagging off the council for the state of its football pitches are all in it.

    Best of luck to both and if it means more jobs for journalists that is only a good thing

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  • March 6, 2015 at 6:31 pm
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    The online edition looks good. It’s nicely designed and it has an interesting mix of content. Best wishes for a bright future.

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  • March 8, 2015 at 12:46 pm
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    Good points House Style but story about football pitches sounds too low on human interest scale for front page.

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