First compact edition published this week

Our newlook westmeath examiner published in compact format this week

Published: Tue 12 May 2015, 9:46 AM

Last updated: Tue 12 May 2015, 10:49 AM

This week's Westmeath Examiner (dated 16th May 2015) is our first new-look compact published in smaller, more reader-friendly compact format. The Examiner’s new shape marks a significant change for the 133-year-old newspaper, which has been the voice of County Westmeath since it was founded in 1882. This particluar week's edition includes a special Westmeath Style Awards supplement ahead of the inaugural event on Friday 15th May in the Sheraton Hotel, Athlone, which is being organised jointly by the Westmeath Examiner and the Westmeath Independent.

The transition from broadsheet to the new reader-friendly compact format allows for a stronger visual presentation of editorial content and advertising and is designed to deliver a more engaging and relevant reading experience. More importantly, the smaller size makes it easier to handle for readers.

The decision to change from broadsheet to compact was not one that was taken lightly but market research has consistently indicated clear support for a move to the smaller format. The other Celtic Media Group newspapers already have successfully made the move to compact (the Westmeath Independent, the Anglo-Celt, the Meath Chronicle and the Connaught Telegraph).

Since its inception in the late 1880s, the Westmeath Examiner has adapted to keep pace with the needs and expectations of its readers and advertisers and the latest redesign is the next step in that ongoing evolution.

While this is the most significant change to the Examiner to date, our commitment to reporting the issues and stories that matter to people in Westmeath remains paramount.

Local journalism serves communities in a way that no other media can – by fighting their causes, questioning those in authority and celebrating the successes and triumphs of readers, in print and on digital platforms.

While these changes have necessitated a cover price increase, readers are getting a bigger and brighter newspaper with lots more in it. It is the first price increase in more than six years.

We are absolutely convinced the changes made this week are the right move for our newspaper, and we hope that they find favour with our readers and advertisers alike. We will be happy to receive any and all feedback from you, our readers, on the changes which we have made this week.

Our new Sports section

new sport section