Singapore, 31 March 2005 - Singapore’s most popular tabloid-sized newspaper, The New Paper, is still bright and bold after 17 years but has constantly updated itself to meet with changing needs of readers and advertisers.

The New Paper has pioneered a style of journalism that goes for sharp news angle: from latest breaking news to issues that affect the daily lives of Singaporeans, to sports action and personalities, to entertainment. The New Paper, which is a lunch-time paper on weekdays and a morning paper on weekends, engages the reader by taking a fresh, in-depth, human-interest and visual approach to news. It is also the leading voice of soccer in Singapore.

According to Nielsen Media Index 2004, readership stands at 530,000, a 16.2 per cent gain over the previous year and exceeding free sheet Today’s 524,000 readers. This makes it the second most-read English newspaper after The Straits Times.

From 1 April 2005, The New Paper will be updated to give readers and advertisers more value. There will still be the wildly popular sections but expect more. In terms of layout, the liveries are now more consistent across the sections and the presentation is less cluttered, more streamlined.

What’s New?

• Business stories from a social angle by veteran business journalist Conrad Raj who has a knack of writing stories that make the market buzz. The focus is on human interest stories such as personalities, young entrepreneurs and professionals who have left their mark.
  
  
• World of Golf: Daily coverage of big tournaments and personalities, through the eyes of sports columnists Godfrey Robert and Lim Han Ming. Photos and graphics will be presented in the classic catchy concise style of The New Paper.
  
  
• A fresh twist to Political news by senior correspondent Clarence Chang whose forte lies in interviewing ministers and firebrands. This section will be covered in a bright and breezy style, so readers can quickly sum up how policies and the political landscape affect them.
  
  
• Guide: a daily handy section for young and busy consumers. The Tech Guys demystify technology and introduce the latest games and gadgets. For the shopaholics, there are features of fashionable yet affordable lifestyle products in the market. Find out what movies to watch, what courses to study and what music to listen here.

Mr Ivan Fernandez, editor of The New Paper, said: "At 17, The New Paper has grown up, so we have restyled ourselves. The design is now neater and we have introduced new sections. The objective is to widen our lead as the second-most read English newspaper.

"There was a perception that The New Paper is a bit sensational but the paper has evolved and is now known more for being top in social journalism. We have pricked the social conscience with our stories such as the coverage of the plight of foreign workers. We are a paper with a heart.

"Advertisers will also be pleased to know about Guide, a daily section which features the latest in products, technology and entertainment. For news stories, the reader is a spectator. Through Guide, the reader becomes more involved because he is engaged in these activities and hobbies daily. Our audience are those in their 20s and 30s. They have aspirations, love adventures and are different, just like The New Paper."

Issued by Singapore Press Holdings Ltd
Co. Regn. No: 198402868E

For more information, please contact:

Willy Tan
Senior Brand/Marketing Manager
PDB, Marketing Division
DID: 6319 8861

Janice Wong
Assistant Brand Manager
PDB, Marketing Division
DID: 6319 1274