The i newspaper has launched in Northern Ireland for the first time today with a week of free copies.
The title, which was bought by Johnston Press from previous owners The Independent in February, is being distributed to more than 1,300 retailers and will go on sale officially on 13 May.
Copies of the paper are being printed at Johnston Press’s own printers in Carn, County Fermanagh, and handed out at universities, railway stations and bus stations to ensure readers can get hold of up a copy.
The launch is the first regional expansion for the daily title since it was bought by Johnston Press for £24m last month and is being supported by promotional activity and local radio adverts.
Editor Oliver Duff said: “As a team, we are incredibly excited about the expansion into Northern Ireland. It is another exciting step in the i journey for us, and we look forward to seeing how it continues to develop.”
Ashley Highfield, chief executive of Johnston Press, said: “With ongoing change in the newspaper industry, the i is a great example of a title that knows its audience and fulfills a genuine desire – and this has been the key to its success since its launch in 2010.
“Acquiring the newspaper is already proving an effective move for Johnston Press, and we are delighted to finally be expanding into Northern Ireland.”
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