A new free weekly newspaper is being launched in Merseyside – with the publisher saying local papers should continue to invest and not ‘turn tail and run’.
The Aintree & Maghull Champion’s first edition, expected to be 52 pages, will be delivered on Wednesday 14 January.
It is the fifth title from the independent Champion Media Group, based in Southport, and will join the Southport, Formby, Ormskirk and Skelmersdale Champion titles.
The new title has a circulation of 15,614, and follows Trinity Mirror‘s decision in October to cease its majority door-to-door distribution in the area.
The Champion series now has a joint circulation of 112,439 across north Merseyside and west Lancashire.
Champion Media Group managing director Betty Drummond said: “In the past year most publishers have responded to declining sales and advertising losses by embarking on extensive cuts and restructuring.
“This has meant not only significant job losses but also reduced advertising opportunities at a time when local businesses really need to reach more potential customers not less.
“While others may be closing titles the team at the Champion will be facing up to the challenges of the year ahead with this exciting new addition to our portfolio.
“We believe readers and advertisers deserve local newspapers that will support them in times of trouble and not turn tail and run.
“We will always go that extra mile to deliver the best in local news and to give our advertisers a first class service and a guaranteed market penetration each week.”
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