Geelong Independent
The Geelong Independent is a local free weekly newspaper delivered to houses in the Geelong region in Victoria.
On 13 November 2015 the publication had a significant refresh with a new masthead title Geelong Indy and the relaunch of the web site to geelongindy.com.au
The changes are part of a new direction for the paper, with refreshed design and more space for community involvement. Managing editor Tony Galpin said that this week marked the paper’s biggest shakeup since it was launched in 1986. The change from Independent to Indy reflected community sentiment, he said. “Everyone affectionately called us the Indy anyway, so it made sense to make the change,” Mr Galpin explained. “The name Indy complements our place in the community as a warmly regarded local paper with a strong, close relationship to our readers. “It’s also a contemporary rebranding, acknowledging the thirst for immediacy in local news, whether in presentation or dissemination. Indy still means Independent, it’s just easier, more casual. ”Mr Galpin said other changes included more opportunities for community input. Readers could submit pictures to new Favourite Photos and Hot Shots sections, while additional editorial space allowed room for more stories on local people and issues. Mr Galpin said the Indy’s digital focus would also increase.
Learn more at http://geelongindy.com.au/indy/2015-11-12/indy-moving-closer-to-community/
The newspaper was first published on 31 October 1986 and was started by a group of local businessmen - mostly real estate agents and car yard salesmen - unhappy with the cost of advertising in existing local publications. They sold their share to the Star News Group managed by fourth generation owner, Paul Thomas, in the mid-2000s with a gradual takeover by the family owned newspaper company.
The managing editor is Tony Galpin, a former senior journalist at the Independent before taking over as editor. He formerly worked on the Wimmera Mail Times.