As the French regional press is faced with a continuing decline of readers, one small paper in the north of France, in Calais, has successfully grown its readership and won six times the Gold Star of the OJD (the equivalent of the Audit Bureau of Circulation) for biggest increase in readers among regional titles.

The Nord Littoral has increased its sales by nearly 34% in ten years, and 1.22% in 2007. The paper now seels about 10,000 copies daily

"The key to its success? An energetic and collaborative team, readable content that is close to the people, a dose of impertinence and a strong concern for independence," reported the Agence France-Presse.

With its liberal tone and style, Nord Littoral has also been met with some animosity, whether from local politicians or from other newspapers.

"They go at it bluntly, but they sometimes go too far," said one journalist from a rival paper. "They attack people a little too much," said another.

One of the paper's most popular columns is called "Echos and whispers." Published on Sunday, the column lists a mix of rumors and short stories, written in an oft provocative and satirical tone.

Source: Voila.fr (link in French) through IFRA Executive News Service