AS the Echo prepares to celebrate a landmark anniversary in Olympic year I am asking you, our loyal readers, to help shape its future.
The year 2012 promises to be memorable in so many ways, not least right here on the doorstep when the Echo celebrates 125 years of newspaper publishing. But in what format will we be doing it?
If you want to tell Brighouse, tell the Echo. That's a
claim the paper works hard to match week in, week out. But the way in which it brings the news to you has changed dramatically since the first edition went to press on June 24, 1887. Like the lifestyles of its readers the Echo has moved on. Times change and so do the tastes and demands of the people who buy our paper.
That is why, before embarking on any major changes, I want to know what you think about the paper and how it can best serve you.
The Echo is one of the few remaining newspapers produced in broadsheet format. During the last few years more and more titles, both regionally and nationally, have adopted the tabloid, or compact, style. There are a number of advantages to the change in format and while the paper will be smaller in size it promises to be bigger in value.
Readers who are used to newspapers in the compact format find them much easier to handle. Wrestling with a broadshseet on the bus or the train – even in your lounge – can be quite testing at times while the compact lends itself to ease of reading in the tightest corner.
Your must-read news stories, your favourite features, the latest sporting action and all the information you need can be found with the simple turn of the page.
You can look forward to around 48 full-colour pages of up-to-the-minute journalism and advertising. In short, I believe the compact Echo would offer a great deal more. A bold, modern look yet retaining all the traditional elements of a good local newspaper. But before we look at taking this concept any further I want to know your opinion. Stay as we are – or make the change to compact format. How do you feel?
Your views, your verdict are important to all of us who have a hand in producing the Brighouse Echo. Help us to shape its future.See this week's Echo and complete the coupon provided with your views
