Local World

Local World Holdings Ltd. emerged as a significant force in the United Kingdom's regional media landscape, officially launching in January 2013 following the acquisition of assets from Northcliffe Media and Iliffe News & Media. The company was founded by David Montgomery, a seasoned media executive with a long history in newspaper management, who aimed to create a new model for local news by combining print and digital platforms. Montgomery's vision was to revitalize local media by leveraging digital technology to complement the established presence of print newspapers, creating a structure that was more agile and cost-effective.

The business operated a vast network of local newspapers and associated websites, serving communities across the UK. Its portfolio included over 100 print titles and more than 60 websites, reaching a substantial portion of the UK population. Local World's business model was centered on advertising revenue from local businesses and circulation sales of its newspapers. The company sought to create value by centralizing some functions while maintaining local editorial control, aiming to produce content that was deeply relevant to the communities it served. This strategy involved integrating its print and digital operations, with journalists contributing to both platforms to maximize reach and engagement.

A key milestone in the company's journey was its formation through the consolidation of numerous historic local media brands under a single, forward-looking entity. This move was backed by major industry players, including DMGT, which held a significant stake. The ultimate chapter for Local World as an independent entity came in November 2015, when it was acquired by Trinity Mirror (now Reach plc) in a deal that further consolidated the UK's regional news market.

Keywords: regional media, local news, newspaper publishing, digital media, print advertising, media consolidation, UK media, content creation, community journalism, media acquisition