Trinity Mirror folds two more titles as print ad slump takes toil
Trinity Mirror has axed Merseyside newspapers the Formby Times and Crosby Herald as the publisher looks to offset an advertising revenue decline across its titles.
Both brands will be cut from the publisher’s regional roster from March. Part of the plan will see one of five reporter roles slashed from its stable of five Liverpool-based weekly titles, which include the Herald and the Times.
A community content curator role could also go, leaving the business with five for the region.
Two photographer roles from Liverpool and Chester could also be removed from the business by merging the two divisions. Four photographers in Liverpool and two in Chester are currently on the publisher’s books. Should the proposals be excepted then the remaining photographers would be based in Liverpool, while Chester would only be covered for major events such as Chester races or the Chester Rock Music Festival.
Alastair Machray, editor-in-chief at Trinity Mirror Merseyside, said: “It is vital we continue to meet changing reader demand for up-to-the-minute information as well as the needs of advertisers for new and exciting marketing options. Our new free newspaper and website will do this and ensure people are kept in touch with what’s going on in their community.
“It is sad to announce that long-established and much-loved newspapers are to close. However we are confident that readers will find all the local news and information they need in the new title.’’
The move streamlines Trinity Mirror’s print roster as it looks to address a decline in advertising revenue. In the 17 weeks to 26 October, the newspaper publisher posted a 12 per cent slump in print advertising revenue.