Read all about it! Housing group in newspaper bid talks!

Published by Max Salsbury for 24dash.com in Housing and also in Communities, Featured

A housing group is in talks to buy an ailing newspaper.

New Charter Housing Trust Group - which owns over 18,000 homes - has begun discussions with the independently-owned Tameside Reporter about a possible buy-out.

The paper's owner, Reporter and Chronicle Newspapers Ltd, has been struggling financially. Today's edition was the last to be printed by the present owners. Staff at the weekly are unsure if there will ever be another issue.

Today's front page read: "The combined effects of the recession, the internet and local competition has forced the owners of the Reporter and the Chronicle to seek a buyer for the titles."

The paper's editor, Nigel Skinner, added: “The Reporter and Chronicle Newspaper Group has a long and proud tradition in the area and, as editor, I’d like to see it survive to celebrate its upcoming 160th anniversary as an independent paper.

“New Charter has been good enough to facilitate discussions along those lines but no deal has yet been finalised.

“Talks are well advanced and that could bring financial strength and other advantages to the newspapers.”

New Charter's mooted buy-out would be another interesting acquisition for the group. It already sponsors academy schools in Ashton-under-Lyne and Stalybridge.

The Reporter has been going since 1855 and mainly serves the borough of Tameside in Greater Manchester.

Ian Munro, chief executive of New Charter Housing Trust Group, said: “We can confirm we’re in discussions about the future of the Tameside Reporter with its owners Reporter and Chronicle Newspapers Ltd.

“The Tameside Reporter has been bringing independent journalism to local communities since 1855 and we’re keen to see that continue for many more years to come.”