Local newspaper 'bucks the trend' and doubles its frequency

Mid Devon's Crediton Courier, owned by Tindle Newspapers, will be printed weekly from 3 May 2013! From a modest beginning in November 1974, the first issue was distributed for free, then paid for once a month, it was some years later that it became a fortnightly publication to meet the need locally for readers who wanted more up-to-date news and to satisfy the wishes of advertisers.

The success of the Courier can be placed firmly with not only the loyal advertisers but loyal readership who continue to buy their favourite community newspaper on a regular basis.

The hyper-local content makes the Courier an invaluable source for readers who cannot get the kinds of stories they print elsewhere, including local rivals and the internet. The hardworking staff are also firmly behind the move and are looking forward to the challenge of bringing out the news on a more regular basis.

Alan Quick, editorial manager, said: “Providing our readers with what they want in terms of local news will continue and we will now be able to improve on this service.

“Readers will receive more pages of news content, with a quicker delivery service and with the same editorial excellence they have come to expect.

“We are bucking the trend in a newspaper industry which has seen hard times, of late.

“We serve a wonderful community and we try to reflect that. The Courier will continue with the same ethos and appeal that it has from all its readers and advertisers.”

Sean Constable, general manager, said: “The Courier has been through a lot of transitions since I joined the team back in 2001. We have new owners, a new editor, full colour, changed printers three times and embraced the web with social networking and an online version.

“The change to weekly has been something I have been yearning to achieve since I became general manager back in 2006 when Sir Ray bought the title. The timing of this move has been critical.

“I am really proud of the team we have at the moment. We all strive to achieve the best possible paper for our readers and advertisers. It is this determination which sees us taking this important next step."

“There has been enough local editorial to fill the paper weekly for some time, and now, we look forward to delivering on this demand from readers.”