The regional newspaper publisher Archant has stopped publishing of two of its Hertfordshire free titles, launching a a series of weekly "newszines" in their place.

The Harlow Herald and the East Herts Herald, both weekly, printed their final editions this week. The first edition of the magazine that is to replace them, Scene, was printed yesterday; its distribution is to be partly paid-for and partly free.

Archant says it is recruiting two extra editorial staff and three extra advertising staff for the new title, with one job loss – a part-time receptionist.

Archant, which describes itself as the UK's largest independently owned regional media business, said the closure of the two titles is symbolic of a change in how people consume news. Scene aims to capitalise on the "lean-back" format of magazine reading, also launching a new website and mobile site for around-the-clock news.

"This project was born out of necessity," said Stuart McCreery, managing director of Archant Herts & Cambs. "The economic and multimedia climate in which we operate was challenging us and we needed to find a new way to satisfy our customers and readers in a more engaging and attractive manner. The Scene series will serve a wide audience in an innovative way.

More ... http://www.guardian.co.uk/media/2010/sep/03/archant-free-weeklies-magazine