In an independent local newspaper founded six years ago has made its first foray into digital journalism by launching its first app for Apple and Android mobile devices.
It offers readers the chance to download the weekly Cleethorpes Chronicle at 6am every Thursday on a subscription basis.
The paper has been a commercial success despite launching as the recession of 2008 began to take hold.
Editor and joint owner Nigel Lowther said: “The app enables readers across the globe to keep up-to-date with their Cleethorpes news every week at minimal cost.
“Since we began publishing the paper more than six-and-a-half years ago people have asked us about going on line.
“But we’ve always resisted giving content away free on the web when it costs us money to produce it.
“We don’t believe traditional regional newspaper sites have worked. They have not achieved projected revenue streams and have also had a dramatic downward impact on newspaper sales.
“This is our answer.”
Lowther said there was a huge amount of interest in what was going on in Cleethorpes and the surrounding area from expats.
He said: “From Sydney to San Francisco, we hope they will enjoy reading the local news from their home town every Thursday – at the same time it’s being distributed in its traditional format throughout northern Lincolnshire.
“We also expect a big take up among people originally from the area and now living around the UK. Locally too, there will be some who prefer to read it on a tablet or smart phone.”
The app costs £1.99 per month, compared to 45p for the print edition. Apps, unlike print newspapers, are subject to VAT.
Asked how business was generally for the Chronicle, Lowther said: "Nice and steady, six-and-a-half years after people gave us six months!"
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