Shaking up the Christchurch Media Scene

Shaking up the Christchurch Media Scene: Mainland Press to become Christchurchâ s largest circulating free paper

- Locally owned Mainland Press to become Christchurch’s largest circulating free newspaper
- Launch of new supplement, Downtown, focused on City Centre
- Closer newsroom integration with CTV

Today, Mainland Media, a locally owned and operated publishing and media company, is pleased to announce that from January 2013 its flagship weekly newspaper, Mainland Press, will increase its circulation to 75,000 copies every Thursday to become the largest circulating free newspaper in fast growing Christchurch.

The company has also announced that it will be launching a sixth community newspaper, Downtown, which will be distributed weekly as a supplement to the Mainland Press, to readers living within and around the `Four Aves’ and will focus on this part of the city that is neglected by other free newspapers.

The announcement comes following a full integration of the company’s newsroom with CTV, with reporters now working seamlessly across TV and print under the direction of Jo Kane as Managing Editor. Combining the two newsrooms into one team with 10 editorial staff to focused exclusively on local news and stories is allowing the company to provide more in depth coverage of those stories that matter to the local community and to lead the way in local content.

Mainland Media managing director Pier Smulders, says the announcement reflects the company’s on-going commitment to the city.

``As Christchurch’s only locally owned media group, we are committed to our city and our communities, and we are excited that Mainland Press will take the lead and be able to reach more readers and provide a distinctive local voice in a city where the other media is dominated by multinational groups. The integration of our newsroom with CTV is a really exciting and bold step and enables us to provide even better coverage of all the important local stories.’’

The recently announced news regarding APN’s divestment of The Star demonstrates how important it is that Christchurch retains a locally owned newspaper

General Manager Sales, Peter Hampton says the newspapers advertisers were getting great results; therefore increasing circulation would cement its position as the number one choice for local advertisers.

``As a locally owned media business it is much easier for us to work closer with our market and understand what it needs.’’

About Mainland Media Limited

Mainland Media Ltd is Christchurch’s only locally owned media group. We have:

• Six community newspapers throughout the greater Christchurch area

• Three lifestyle magazines including two nationally distributed titles Older & Bolder and Weekend Gardener

• Three motoring and trading titles
• New Zealand’s largest media Facebook community, Rise Up Christchurch

Employing over 50 staff, Mainland Press Ltd is privately owned by Pier & Charlotte Smulders. The company is actively involved with many community groups and charities and is passionately committed to the new Christchurch.

© Scoop Media