The Hawick Paper has secured its future as an independent local newspaper following a change of ownership, which will take effect at the end of the month.
The new owner, Hawick Media Ltd, is part of a wider group of independent media companies, including DNG Media and Argyll Media, with a portfolio of locally-produced publications including titles such as the Annandale Observer and Dumfries Courier.
Launched ten years ago, The Hawick Paper has built strong connection with readers through its in-depth reporting of local news, people and events.
Under Hawick Media Ltd, it will continue to focus on community journalism while further developing its coverage of the town and district.
Current proprietor of The Hawick Paper, Jason Marshall, said he was delighted the paper was moving forward with a company that understands the importance of independent local journalism.
“The paper has always been about the people of Hawick and giving the community a voice, so it was really important to me that any future owner shared those same values and had a genuine commitment to maintaining the paper’s local identity,” he added.
“Hawick Media Ltd has a strong understanding of what makes community newspapers special, and I’m confident the paper is in safe hands as it moves into its next chapter.
“I look forward to supporting managing director Peter Laidlaw in his plans to develop the title.”
Mr Laidlaw said the company was delighted to take on responsibility for a publication with such strong links to the town.
He commented: “The Hawick Paper has built a fantastic reputation for reflecting the life, character and spirit of Hawick over the past ten years.”
“We are passionate about local journalism and believe strongly that newspapers should be produced and supported within the communities they serve.
“Like The Hawick Paper, our group of companies is built around independence, local knowledge and a commitment to telling the stories that matter to people. We look forward to working with readers, businesses and community groups to continue building on the paper’s success.”
Adding, Mr Laidlaw said:
“Teries can look forward to the same commitment to local reporting, with opportunities to expand coverage, while retaining our unrelenting focus on the people and organisations that make Hawick special.”
Welcoming the news that the paper is set to continue, Councillor Stuart Marshall told us:
“I’ve heard it said many times that Hawick is the envy of other Borders towns because it has such a fantastic weekly newspaper, and I know thousands of loyal readers will be delighted to hear that it has a bright future ahead.”
Adding, he said:
“I would like to wish the new owner, Hawick Media Ltd, every success and I know townsfolk will be right behind them.”
Councillor Watson McAteer commented:
“The announcement that The Hawick Paper will continue to deliver the local news to our community is fantastic.
“Jason has been an inspired owner, and his endorsement of the new owner, Hawick Media Ltd, is reassuring, recognising that independent local journalism will remain at the heart of the business.
“I look forward to working with a company that has a strong track record of engaging with the local community and thank Jason and his team for their commitment to keeping Teries informed about the issues affecting our town.”
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