Six editorial jobs are at risk of redundancy after newspaper publisher Archant announced the closure of weekly title Cambridge First.
The paper was launched in May 2010 as a part of a newspaper war with rival publisher Iliffe News & Media, which launched Cambridge Now on the same day.
Iliffe also publishes the daily Cambridge News and free weekly Cambridge News & Crier, which has since been merged with Cambridge Now.
Archant launched its new title by claiming it to be a “new generation newspaper” that would reach a new audience through paid-for sales and free pick-up and targeted hand-delivery at key locations in the city.
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Today Archant Anglia managing director Johnny Hustler said the title would be closed and resources diverted to ‘more established brands in the area”. The last issue will be on 29 March.
Hustler said: ‘Launched into a competitive market just as the economic downturn started to bite, Cambridge First has been a great editorial success, however it has not been able to achieve the commercial market share necessary to fund its continued publication.
‘We believe that by taking this decision our resources can be focused on our more established titles in the Archant Herts & Cambs portfolio, ensuring that we maintain and improve our performance in areas where our market position is stronger.”
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Some 12 roles, including six in editorial, are at risk of redundancy but the consultation will focus on ways to avoid redundancy, looking at opportunities to redeploy staff in other alternative suitable positions where possible.
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