What does the merger with Stomp mean for TNP?

SINGAPORE - From Oct 30, The New Paper (TNP) will be combined with Stomp and come under a refreshed Stomp website.

SPH Media said

the new platform

harnesses Stomp’s strong digital reach and community-driven content, as well as TNP’s editorial credibility and heritage in quality and bold journalism.

Ms Joy Fang, editor of Stomp, elaborates on what the merger means:

Is TNP closing down?

The move to combine the two outlets under the Stomp website does not represent a closure of TNP.

“We are reimagining TNP and Stomp, and combining them to present a renewed perspective and make it a more dynamic read which is real, vocal and impactful,” Ms Fang said.

Launched in 1988 to engage a wider segment of the English-language readership beyond those reading The Straits Times, TNP established a reputation for its creative storytelling, engaging graphics and bold designs, as well as its sports, crime and entertainment coverage.

It became a freesheet in December 2016 before going

fully digital in December 2021

.

The refreshed Stomp harnesses TNP’s editorial credibility and heritage in quality and bold journalism and Stomp’s strong digital reach and community-driven content, and delivers a richer and more engaging experience for its audiences.

“By bringing them together, we are not just preserving their legacies, we are refreshing them to resonate with a new generation, without losing our loyal audiences,” Ms Fang added.

All TNP staff will join the Stomp team, though she did not disclose the headcounts of either outlet.

The TNP website will cease operations from Dec 1, 2025. Past content will be available on the Stomp website under the TNP News section.

TNP’s licence under the Infocomm Media Development Authority’s online news licensing scheme will continue to be retained.

Why combine TNP and Stomp under stomp.sg now?

The decision to lead with the Stomp brand was because it had grown into a stronger digital brand over time.

It was timely for both brands to be reshaped to better resonate with a younger audience and to reach out to newer readers. TNP was launched in 1988 while Stomp was introduced in 2006.

It is also part of SPH Media’s efforts to constantly refresh its products to serve its audiences better.

Stomp has consistently maintained a strong following on both its website and social media platforms.

“Over the years, it has built a loyal audience base that responds well to its mix of hyperlocal, viral and community-driven stories,” said Ms Fang.

She did not disclose specific readership figures for both TNP and Stomp, citing commercial reasons.

What can readers expect from the new Stomp? 

The refreshed Stomp aims to be the go-to-source for relatable, entertaining and trusted news that connects with Singaporeans, especially younger audiences.

There will be more original stories, deep dives into viral trends, and prompt coverage of the latest happenings, while signature segments such as Singapore Seen and Goody Bag giveaways will still be available.

News stories from TNP will be hosted under a dedicated “TNP News” category on the new Stomp site.

This will cover the familiar beats that TNP readers know and love, including local news, entertainment, lifestyle and sports.

There will be a new “Deep Dive” section, which will feature in-depth features, polls, profile stories, and explainers for deeper storytelling.

This will allow the platform to present more context and perspectives on trending topics, giving readers both quick reads and more in-depth information in one place.

The new features will be part of Stomp’s overall site and social media channels to provide readers easy access to updates on viral issues, user-generated stories, and insightful coverage on significant topics without feeling like they are switching platforms.