Newspaper with a fresh approach for Wokingham Berkshire launched by My Wokingham

Created by Wokingham residents for Wokingham residents, a brand new local paper. My Wokingham makes a fresh approach to the industry with a positive editorial ethos.

The news and events platform at Mywokingham.co.uk has been online for just 12 months and following its online success is now venturing into print.

Created by Wokingham borough resident Nick Marr, the paper is set to serve a fresh approach to help the community keep informed and make the most of living and working in the area. The editorial ethos of the newspaper is picture heavy and to ‘celebrate the Wokingham Borough’.

The 32-page tabloid will be free to readers and delivered directly into homes in the borough. It will be available at all major supermarkets and a network of community and business distribution points.

Nick Marr, who comes from a background as Chief Marketing Officer for companies in the UK, Europe and the US, was named FT Tech Entrepreneur for innovation in the property sector.

My Wokingham was initially launched as blog that helped charities amplify their causes. The positive feel of the platform and the way it covered events that included short videos appealed to its local audience.

Nick said: “When we attended events, the public consistently requested to see their photos in print. It’s clear that print still holds a special place and coverage in print is regarded as more impactive than online.”

The My Wokingham team all live in Wokingham and includes some seasoned individuals including Jacqueline Hayler, a former deputy editor at both the Bracknell News and Henley Standard, head photographer Paul King, who started his career at the Windsor Express, Phil Gee, a Radio Berkshire presenter and Andrew Batt, a popular Berkshire sports photographer.

The paper looks to appeal to small businesses with a print and digital combined marketing model. My Wokingham launched a sample print edition in March but look to officially launch with a souvenir Coronation edition in May this year.