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Weekly’s former editor launches new title on same patch

Matt Adams 2023A weekly newspaper’s former editor has launched a new title on the same patch – but says he intends to “complement” his old publication.

Matt Adams has announced the launch of the St Albans Times, a weekly current affairs magazine to serve the Hertfordshire city.

Matt edited the St Albans-based Herts Advertiser for 13 years and was Archant’s group editor for Herts until two months ago, when he left the businesss by mutual agreement following its takeover by Newsquest.

The cathedral city is also served by the St Albans & Harpenden Review, also Newsquest-owned but not previously part of Archant.

The Times launched on Thursday, initially as an online-only publication, with content being provided by Matt and seven community contributors.

Matt, pictured, told HTFP: “Rather than compete with existing news outlets, I feel the St Albans Times will complement what they are producing and give readers a wider picture of local issues.

“In fact, we actively promote the breaking news available from the Herts Advertiser and I have contributed tip-offs and photos to their offering.

“I think having two diverse products serving the district can only benefit the local community, ensuring they have unparalleled access to news and information which directly affects their lives.”

Among the contributors to the first edition of the Times was former Church of England director of communications Reverend Peter Crumpler, who is now a priest in St Albans.

In his column, he wrote: “The more reporting of news that matters to local people, the better for our community. The more a range of local views is expressed and discussed, the greater opportunity for dialogue and understanding.

“In past times, parish magazines produced by local churches were vital channels of information for their communities. Some churches still publish these – often to a high standard – but many have ceased publication.

“Local matters and local news matters massively if communities are to live well together – and understand the decisions being taken on their behalf.

“In churches, we pray for our local MPs and councillors, and all those who work, with integrity, for the common good. It can be a challenging calling.

“But it’s also important that those in power can be questioned about their decisions and called to explain their actions on our behalf. Speaking truth to power is part of the Christian calling.

“So, a warm, heartfelt, welcome to the St Albans Times. May it grow and flourish and play an important role in building up community life, keeping us all informed, and speaking truth to power.”