UK: Another regional newspaper adopts the part-paid-for part-free model

Weekly newspaper, the Gravesend Reporter, is adopting the part-paid-for part-free model. The Archant-owned title will now reach 60,000 readers rather than the previous 6,000.

The newspaper is following in the footsteps of the Richmond and Twickenham Times and the Manchester Evening News.

The newspaper will now be delivered for free in certain boroughs but this will result in the closure of its ad-based free sister newspaper, the Gravesend and District Express, which will now be incorporated into the main title.

The newspaper will still be for sale in newsagents and retailers in the area, but for a reduced price of 25p (it previously sold for 40p).

Archant London executive managing director Enzo Testa, said that the move, "dovetails with implementation of the 'dual model' idea which we have successfully carried out with our other award winning Kentish Times' titles since 2005." The first title in the group to go part-paid-for part-free was The Bromley Times in 2005, followed in May 2006 by The Bexley Times, and earlier this year by the Dartford and Swanley Times.

Source: HoldtheFrontPage.co.uk