By Hamish Mackay
A new paper was launched in Scotland today (Friday) by a team of journalists made redundant by Trinity Mirror¹s Glasgow operation.
Planet Hearts hits the streets with an initial print run of 10,000 copies – distributed to retailers across Edinburgh, Fife, the Lothians and Borders regions.
The title will focus on Hearts FC, which is currently battling for a Champions League place and facing a Scottish Cup semi-final drama with Edinburgh rivals Hibernian.
The first issue is a 32-page full-colour tabloid with the promise of star columnists, news, interviews and prize give-a-ways.
Readers will be able to buy the new paper over the counter, or by subscribing via its sister website, www.planethearts.co.uk.
Shaun Milne, former number two at the Scottish Daily Mirror, and Gerry Cassidy, who was assistant features editor at the Daily Record, are behind the ambitious new launch.
Both took redundancy during last year’s cuts by Trinity Mirror in Scotland, and have recruited another five journalists.
Derek Watson, former sports editor at the Scottish Daily Mirror, is among those helping launch the title. They are re-united with art editor Lisa Wilson, reporter Simon Cox, and Kim Thompson as promotions executive.
The new title has also poached sales executive Angela Smith from the Daily Record is to head up advertising.
Today¹s launch is being backed by a radio advertising campaign with posters and 30,000 beer-mats being distributed in the area.
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