Midsomer Norton & Radstock Journal

The communities we serve: Midsomer Norton & Radstock, with a radius that expands to the outskirts of Frome, Bath, Keynsham, the Chew Valley and all villages and parishes in-between.

Our approach to local news: Hyper local, trusted news that can be relied upon by readers. Our team have a deep connection to the Midsomer Norton & Radstock area and a long and personal history with the paper and our website.

What is great about the area we serve: Its people and the communities within it – we love telling their stories and reporting on issues that matter to local people.

How we help advertising clients: Our local experienced sales teams use their knowledge of the products and areas which we serve to offer our clients the best possible experience and outcome for their spend, regardless of how much it is. We take our time to discuss our advertiser’s needs and tailor make packages specific to budget, distribution requirements, needs and wants over various media outlets.

“We give people a voice within their towns and villages on issues that matter to them.”

- Midsomer Norton & Radstock Journal

How we make a difference: By connecting communities, improving communication, giving people a voice within their towns and villages on issues that matter to them. Since the pandemic, we have become very aware of the lifeline that a local paper can be to those who are isolated or lonely. We are vital in keeping the community informed, discussing the impact of national decisions locally, holding local Government to account and also providing some light hearted news and informative entertainment with our popular Mystery Photograph on local history.

Our history: The Journal was first published on 26th June 1980 and was founded by the late Steve Shipley, from Fosseway Press, Radstock. In October 2003 Tindle Newspapers acquired the title, with George Donkin, Steve Shipley’s business partner, continuing to run the paper until his retirement in March 2013. The current Editor, Rebecca Brooks, joined The Journal in 2004 as an English Graduate and has been with the company ever since, also editing the Chew Valley Gazette from December 2020. The Gazette has been running since 1984. Becky is joined by Sarah Shipley (Steve’s daughter) in Advertising and Lucy Slade, Photography Graduate.