The Slough Observer is moving back to its home town after a year and a half based in neighbouring Reading.
Berkshire Media Group managing director Keith McIntyre admitted that, “with the benefit of hindsight, we should never have moved out of our local communities” and followed the “current trend of centralisation and consolidation”.
He told Hold The Front Page: “We are local news organisations and we should never forget that. Our reporters, led by editor Tim Cole, will now be able to get out and about much more easily and play a pivotal role covering local news and events.”
McIntyre added: “Readers and advertisers will now be able to pop into the office to chat to reporters or place ads and staff don’t face the commute to Reading – everyone should be a winner.”
HTFP reported that the new office, on Windsor Road in Slough, will house 20 staff across editorial, advertising and distribution. The Bracknell sales team for Berkshire Media Group will also be based there.
The 60p weekly Slough, Eton and Windsor Observer recorded an average circulation of 5,750 in 2013, down 7.8 per cent year on year, according to ABC figures.
According to HTFP, the newspaper's sister titles, the Royal Observer and Slough Midweek, will also be moving to a new base. Meanwhile, the Reading Chronicle is to move from its inudstrial estate headquarters into its town centre in the autumn.
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