The brand new version of The New Paper (TNP) - the result of a merger between TNP and My Paper - will combine the best of both worlds. For free.
From Dec 1, Monday to Saturday, it will be available at offices and MRT stations, distributing up to 300,000 copies a day.
The move combines My Paper's vast reach and free distribution model with TNP's signature knack for breaking stories. The new product will target a more upmarket readership and tailor its content to appeal to the interests and needs of PMEBs (professionals, managers, executives and businessmen).
At a trade launch yesterday, TNP's partners and advertisers were given a glimpse of its new design and content mix.
TNP will still write the human interest stories for which it is known, and continue to offer its in-depth coverage of sports and entertainment, the audience heard.
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FAQ for the new TNP
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From Dec 1, you can pick up The New Paper for free from Monday to Saturday at various distribution points, including MRT stations.
The new TNP will have a new design and a refreshed content mix targeted at PMEB (professionals, managers, executives and businessmen) readers.
This includes news on the economy, property market, jobs, personal finance and health in a format that is easily digestible.
The new TNP will also continue to be available online, with a new look and more interactive content for readers.
There will no longer be a Sunday edition. -
Where can I get a copy of the new TNP?
Up to 300,000 copies of the free paper will be distributed at MRT stations, selected malls and other locations such as cafes, medical centres, country clubs, car service centres, premium buses, airline lounges and serviced apartments. It will also be sampled for limited periods at selected households.
The new TNP will continue to be available online, with a new design featuring more videos and interactive content for readers. -
Can I have TNP delivered to my home?
TNP will have a paid home delivery option for readers who wish to have it delivered on a daily basis (Mon-Sat) to their homes.
Existing subscribers of other SPH publications need to pay a nominal handling fee of $4 a month. Others have to pay the handling fee as well as a delivery fee of $3 for HDB, $4 for condominiums or apartments, and $5 for landed houses. Readers who wish to sign up for this delivery can do so at our SPH E-shop(http://www.sphsubscription.com.sg/eshop/) from Dec 1 onwards.
To this it will add coverage of issues that are directly relevant to the lives of its expanded readership base - including news on the economy, the property market, jobs, personal finance, housing and health.
Mr Warren Fernandez, editor-in-chief of Singapore Press Holdings' English/Malay/Tamil Media group, said TNP, which was launched in 1988, has established a reputation for its creativity in its storytelling, graphics and design. It also developed a loyal base of readers who pay for each copy of the paper.
"But we recognise that while we want to continue to serve this loyal group of readers, the market is changing," said Mr Fernandez. "The readership... has become more educated, more affluent, more savvy and more sophisticated. So we have to adapt to serve this readership in a new way."
The new content mix and smart design are meant to address this change. The new TNP will also continue to be available online, with a new look and more interactive content for readers.
It will also have a new editor in Eugene Wee, 42, who is currently its news editor. Addressing the audience yesterday, Mr Wee said of the paper's masthead: "If you notice, the word 'new' is highlighted. And that's because that's what it's all about... We always try new things in terms of storytelling, in terms of how we engage our readers and how we partner with our advertisers."
At the same time, the new TNP will still hold on to elements that have kept it successful for nearly three decades, Mr Wee said.
Apart from stepping up its compelling infographics and visual treatment of stories, it will also continue to showcase its columnists like Neil Humphreys, Biker Boy Zaihan Mohamed Yusof and food writer Yeoh Wee Teck, he added.
That Marketing Guy's Will Lee said: "It's interesting to see how everything is going to be repackaged, reorganised and targeted at PMEs whom a lot of advertisers are targeting. All I can say is that it's really smart."
