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Closed daily’s owners launch magazine with aid of redundant journalists

The new owners of a regional daily closed since August have launched a lifestyle magazine – with the help of former journalists on the newspaper.

Radio station Revolution 96.2 has announced the launch of Signature magazine, which is being produced with the aid of some of the 49 staff made redundant after the Oldham Evening Chronicle went into administration with the loss of 49 jobs.

Revolution bought the Chronicle from administrators KPMG in the autumn, but the paper has yet to resume publication.

However, last month the Chronicle’s Oldham Business Edge magazine was revived as part of a project run with design agency Cornerstone Design & Marketing, where former Chronicle business editor Robbie MacDonald has found employment.

Matt Ramsbottom, of Revolution 96.2, and Nicola Adamson, of Cornerstone Design & Marketing, with the new Signature magazine

Matt Ramsbottom, of Revolution 96.2, and Nicola Adamson, of Cornerstone Design & Marketing, with the new Signature magazine

Now Revolution and Cornerstone have joined forces for the launch of Signature, a brand new free title which will be published quarterly and feature articles on health, fashion, beauty, food and drink, family events, music, arts and crafts, theatre, cycling and motoring.

Former Chronicle editorial staff involved in the new magazines on a freelance basis include education and feature writer Karen Doherty, photographer Darren Robinson, journalist Simon Smedley, writing about music, and motoring reviewer Steven Berry.

Revolution 96.2 managing director Matt Ramsbottom said: “It’s great to see Signature magazine hitting the streets. It looks fantastic and has far exceeded our expectations for the first edition.

“We are developing new local media products and services, and Signature is part of our exciting plans. We’re really looking forward to developing all three magazines throughout 2018.

“We have also made significant headway in recent weeks with the Oldham Chronicle newspaper. We have done a lot of preparation work and hope to announce a print date in the very near future.”

Matt has previously stated the Chronicle itself may resume publication in the New Year as a bi-weekly.  Education publication The Knowledge has also undergone a relaunch.