A Local Paper For Global People

Hampshire Media was founded in December 2000 with the idea of returning an independent newspaper to the people of Winchester.

The two founders of the company, Jez Walder and Mark O'Connor, had 30 years of combined newspaper experience with the Hampshire Chronicle Group, but when the newspaper was sold to the American conglomerate NewsQuest, they spotted a niche in the market and were determined to fill it.

Fortunately, Jez and Mark had no trouble finding a quality workforce who shared the same goals, and in January 2001, the first edition of the Winchester Observer hit the streets.

Expansion was quick, and in June 2001 the Winchester Observer became the Winchester & Bishops Waltham Observer, and by May 2002, coverage was so wide that the paper now became The Mid Hampshire Observer, covering Winchester, Romsey, Bishops Waltham and Stockbridge. The paper now reaches 20,000 homes weekly.

In September 2003, 23,000 homes in Andover were first treated to the delights of the Mid Hampshire's sister publication, The West Hampshire Observer. Offering readers in the Test Valley a new mix of news, sport, humour and interest.

Several Observer articles have been featured on a national stage, from Radio 4 to the Daily Telegraph. It's unique take on local, national and international news have set it apart from other regional titles. No other paper is like The Observer, at least none we've heard of.

The company continues to grow, but still retains a strong, customer-friendly, cottage-industry feel. With the addition of There's More To Life, a quarterly newspaper produced in association with Age Concern, and various other bits and pieces, some people wonder how all this can be done with just 18 people, we wonder ourselves, but still we go from strength to strength.

Thanks for all your support!