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Revived former daily touts print comeback as new editor sought

Matt Ramsbottom 1A former regional daily which was revived as an online-only title is seeking a new editor amid “advanced discussions” for a return in print.

Oldham Evening Chronicle owner Credible Media is looking for an editor for the title, which was brought back as a digital-only venture in 2018.

Credible has confirmed to HTFP it is currently in “advanced discussions” about a joint venture to return the newspaper to print.

Although the web-only Chronicle has retained the ‘Evening’ element of its name, the revived print product is likely to be weekly rather than daily.

The Chronicle ceased publication in 2017 after previous owner Hirst, Kidd and Rennie Ltd went into administration with the loss of 49 jobs including that of its then editor Dave Whaley.

The revived site’s news output has been the responsibility of Credible Media content director Kevin Bailey, who also looks after a number of magazine publications and radio station Revolution 96.2 – but the company is now recruiting a full-time editor for the Chronicle.

Credible managing director Matt Ramsbottom, pictured, said: “As we continue to develop and grow the new Oldham Evening Chronicle, we’re putting in place a plan to raise the profile of the title and champion the town.

“We need a publication that challenges, questions, and investigates. The new editor will be tasked with creating contacts around the town, and getting their teeth into the fabric of Oldham.”

Weekly titles currently serving Oldham include Newsquest’s Oldham Times and Quest Media’s Oldham Reporter, which were both launched in the wake of the Chronicle’s demise in print.

The new editor is expected to be in place at the end of the summer.