THE Stourbridge & Halesowen News was launched by Midlands newspaper entrepreneur Chris Bullivant, who is still an active publisher in the region.
Back in 1979, the News was just one of the “free newspaper” revolutuon which was sweeping the country and confining many tradional paid-for weeklies – including the County Express – to history.
The front page welcome message in the first issue stated: “We hope you like it and will continue to enjoy its contents as it pops through your door week by week.
There’s no catch. It’s free, and will remain so.
“Every Thursday, 42,000 copies will be delivered at no charge to homes in Stourbridge, Halesowen, Cradley, Lye, Hagley and surrounding districts.”
It added: “We are certain that the Stourbridge and Halesowen News will provide its own unique service to readers and advertisers alike.”
It still is...
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here