This Is Guernsey

Today marks the start of a series of changes that readers have asked to see in their Guernsey Press.

As part of a wide-ranging review, we commissioned market research to find out what you think about your daily newspaper - from our choice of page-one news stories right through to our back-page sports coverage.

The survey sample included eight focus groups made up of male and female readers from across a mix of age ranges.

All were Guernsey residents, some born and bred here and others who have moved into the island.

We spoke to regular, casual and non-readers to discover exactly what you think about our brand, which has been serving readers for almost 200 years.

The report made interesting reading.

Most heartening was that much of the feedback was extremely positive. You’ve told us we’re getting it right in many areas.

But you’d like to see a more in-depth look at news, new features, extra nostalgia, more sport and stories about the real lifeblood of our islands: its people.

In response, we’ve worked on the content and design of our brand to widen its appeal to loyal and new readers.

First up are new-look Opinion pages today featuring even more of your letters, views and online postings from our recently relaunched website.

Over the coming weeks we will be bringing in more elements, including new entertainment listings pages and a revamped version of our flagship Saturday read, The Week.

It’s been an exciting project and we’d like to thank all those who have helped us with the research as well, of course, as all our other readers.

As we move through the changes we’d like to hear your feedback on them, as well as ideas about anything else you’d like to see.

Our last major redevelopment back in 1999 served us well, helping us move from broadsheet to a more modern size and outlook.

We see this latest chapter in the Guernsey Press’s journey as building on those achievements to keep the newspaper where it has always been, at the very heart of our community.