Archant has launched a fresh bid to make digital pay via its free newspapers as talks continue over the regional publisher’s future.

Local newspapers in the group’s portfolio have announced the launch of new apps in recent days, offering exclusive content to readers who pay for a subscription.

Readers can subscribe for either 99p per month or £9.99 annually to the apps, which have been unveiled by the Hunts Post and Hertfordshire weekly The Comet, which is primarily a free print title.

HTFP understands more Archant titles will launch similar apps in due course.

How the Hunts Post’s new app looks

The move comes after the publisher vowed to press ahead with a new digital strategy, touting plans to charge for some online news and business content, despite being put up for sale last month.

Archant has since entered into exclusive talks with fellow publisher Newsquest over a possible merger earlier this month, although there has since been no further update on the negotiations.

Archant editor-in-chief Jeremy Clifford said: “These are the first news apps to go live as part of our rollout plans for 2022.

“The Comet has just undergone a refresh in its design and now it has an industry-leading app to complement its print product.

“The Hunts Post was relaunched in a similar style last year and now it too, has a sophisticated app.

“This is an important stage in the development of both titles as we start to introduce the concept of readers paying to access our journalism in our free as well as our paid-for titles.”

In exchange for their subscription fees, readers to the new Archant apps will receive exclusive newsletters from the papers’ journalists, push notifications for breaking news sent to the device.

Other features include exclusive videos and access to a ‘Behind the Headlines’ podcast hosted by local journalists.

Georgia Barrow, the newly-appointed Editor of The Comet, said: “I’m so happy to be a part of this exciting time for The Comet with the launch of our new app.

“The Comet team has always strived to provide the best content for our readers and we’re now more equipped to go about it in a much more modern way.

“Huge thanks to all of the people working behind the scenes to make the app look so fresh and sleek. I believe it will be a welcome change by our loyal readers.”

Debbie Davies, editor of The Hunts Post, said: “The Hunts Post has been at the heart of its community in Huntingdonshire for more than 125 years and the launch of our app marks another important milestone in our history.”

“It provides us with an exciting opportunity to produce news on a very different platform and also to add to our individual reporter skill sets as well as cementing our reputation as a multi-media company.”

“The App looks amazing and I am very proud of the efforts of all those involved, not only in its concept and delivery, but also all those who worked on the marketing process this week to make sure people understand our thought processes and could sign up easily.”