Oldham gets new weekly newspaper weeks after evening title closes

Newsquest Media – part of the US-owned giant Gannett Company – is launching a new weekly newspaper The Oldham Times.

It follows the closure three weeks ago of the Oldham Evening Chronicle, the local daily newspaper after 160 years of publishing.

Newquest says The Oldham Times will provide news, sport, and comment on the local community.

Priced at 80p, it will also feature a Weekend leisure guide and a free seven-day TV guide, and platforms for local advertisers.

Nick Fellows, Newsquest North West’s managing director said: “Oldham is a great and vibrant town which deserves to have its own dedicated newspaper.

“We believe there is a sustainable publishing future in Oldham as a weekly print brand and as a daily online news provider.

“A community of this size warrants a credible news title and we encourage both readers and advertisers to support this exciting new launch.”

Ian Savage, editor, said: “We hope that the people of Oldham will be delighted that they have a new community newspaper, following the sad demise of a long and well-established daily newspaper.

“We have recruited talented local reporters, who know Oldham and have worked here for a number of years, which will ensure residents are well informed of what is going on in their area.”

Newsquest also owns The Bolton News, Lancashire Telegraph and Warrington Guardian titles as well as nine paid for weeklies; 10 free weekly tabloids and a monthly free newspaper for the Asian community.