Archant launches free weekly Camden paper

The launch will also coincide with the axe falling on the Archant-owned Camden Chronicle, which currently sells for 40p and has a circulation of just 1,000 copies a week.

Around 25,000 copies of the new title will be distributed to homes in the NW1 and NW5 postal districts of the Camden area, with the rest available from outside local underground stations.

The Camden Gazette will have local news pages, as well a coverage from its sister paper, the Islington Gazette, plus sport and the Go entertainment and leisure guide, and a property supplement.

Garry Matthews, Archant London deputy managing director, said: “The Camden Gazette promises to be the brightest and most entertaining newspaper for all those who live and work in the heart of Camden.”

“It is a real community newspaper which will deal with Camden life in a bold, direct and no-nonsense style.”

Tony Allcock, group editor of Archant’s North London Newspapers division, said: “We’re aiming to make the Camden Gazette the first-choice newspaper for the NW1 and NW5 areas of Camden for both readers and advertisers.”

Archant London now publishes 19 paid-for weekly newspapers and 5 free titles with a total circulation of 617,000 copies.

The family-owned regional press publisher last year bought Independent News and Media’s portfolio of local London newspapers, including the Islington and Hackney Gazettes, beating off competition from rival groups Northcliffe and Newsquest.

By Helen Kaye

This article was first published on Media Week