Reading Post: The Evolution of Reading's Local News
For years, the Reading Post served as a primary source of information for residents of Reading, Berkshire, and the surrounding regions. Originally known as the Reading Evening Post, this local publication captured the heartbeat of the community, documenting the events and stories that shaped the area.
The newspaper was instantly recognizable by its title page, which featured the Maiwand Lion—a prominent local landmark located in Forbury Gardens. This visual connection reinforced the publication's deep ties to the local identity of Berkshire.
Operational History and Ownership
The Reading Post was published in a tabloid format and operated out of its headquarters in Reading, Berkshire. In its final years of print, the paper was published by Surrey & Berkshire Media Ltd., which functioned as a division of Trinity Mirror plc (now known as Reach plc).
Under the leadership of editor Andy Murrill, the publication maintained its role as a weekly newspaper, providing consistent coverage of local affairs until the industry began shifting toward digital-first models.
The Transition to Digital
As reading habits evolved, the publication underwent several transformations to adapt to the digital age. In 2015, the Reading Post ceased its print publication entirely, transitioning to an online-only format. Following this shift, the brand was renamed Get Reading, operating via the website getreading.co.uk.
The digital evolution continued in 2019 when the service was relaunched as BerkshireLive. However, this chapter of local news reporting eventually came to an end when the service closed in November 2023.
Key Facts
- Original Name: Reading Evening Post.
- Format: Weekly tabloid.
- Iconography: Featured the Maiwand Lion on the title page.
- Print End Date: 2015.
- Digital Successors: Get Reading (2015) and BerkshireLive (2019).
- Final Closure: November 2023.
- Parent Company: Reach plc (formerly Trinity Mirror plc).
Publication Summary
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Language | English |
| Headquarters | Reading, Berkshire |
| Final Print Editor | Andy Murrill |
| Owner | Reach plc |
| Digital Website | getreading.co.uk |
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the Reading Post?
The Reading Post, formerly the Reading Evening Post, was an English local weekly newspaper that covered Reading, Berkshire, and the surrounding areas.
When did the Reading Post stop printing physical copies?
The newspaper ceased its print publication in 2015, moving to an online-only model.
What happened to the publication after it went digital?
After stopping print in 2015, it was renamed Get Reading. In 2019, it was relaunched as BerkshireLive before finally closing in November 2023.
Who owned the Reading Post?
The paper was most recently published by Surrey & Berkshire Media Ltd., a division of Trinity Mirror plc, which is now Reach plc.
What landmark was featured on the newspaper's title page?
The title page featured the Maiwand Lion, a well-known local landmark located at Forbury Gardens.