THE Paisley local newspaper, the Paisley Daily Express, is being relaunched on Monday.
Along with a new look and more pages, it is being reduced in price, from 45p to 20p.
Say publishers, Media Scotland: “The 138 year-old daily is the first of the Media Scotland local titles to benefit from a total redesign which will be rolled out across the portfolio of 17 regional titles in the next eight weeks.
“The move follows the implementation of web-based editorial system, ContentWatch, across the Paisley Daily Express and its sister titles along with the establishment of a single production unit for all publications at Media Scotland’s Glasgow headquarters.
“While each newspaper retains editors and reporters in the community it serves, all titles across the group will share non-local sections such as TV, movies, music and motoring.”
Also part of the relaunch is the signing of two new football columnists: BBC Scotland pundit, Chick Young, and former St Mirren player, Ricky Gillies.
In a Media Scotland media statement, editor, John Hutcheson, is quoted, as saying: “This is a hugely exciting time for everyone connected with the newspaper.
“Our loyal readers will be delighted with the new look as well as our new columnists and new features. And, at just 20p, the paper will provide even greater value for money in these tough times.
“This is the start of a new era for our historic title and we can’t wait to hear the feedback.”
Media Scotland is the Scottish operation of Trinity Mirror newspaper publishers.
Allan Rennie, editor-in-chief of Media Scotland, is also quoted, as saying: “We’re delighted to relaunch our flagship local newspaper, the Paisley Daily Express, which demonstrates our continued commitment to local newspapers in Scotland.
“Our 20p promotion will help persuade the people of Paisley to take a fresh look at the newspaper and the revamped website will reflect the relaunch online.
“The new look across our weekly titles is the culmination of three months hard work by local editors and teams and underpinning this is our investment in technology that ensures all our local titles will have a healthy future.
“The introduction of ContentWatch gives us the ability to seamlessly publish great stories and pictures in any format, whether it is in print, web, smartphone app or e-paper.”
