Toledo Free Press is approaching its fifth anniversary, but we have not been sitting back in contemplation of that modest milestone; there is more to contribute.

On March 10, we will expand our business by publishing on a second day each week. Every Wednesday, Toledo Free Press Star will be delivered to more than 700 locations throughout our Lucas County readership area. In addition, there will be delivery to more than 75 Bowling Green locations, a new territory for us.

We intend to maintain the same standards of quality we deliver on Sundays, but there will be some major distinctions between the two publications.

• Star will focus primarily on arts and life, with accents of local music, exhibits, events and college sports. There is no weekly publication geared toward answering the simple question, “What is there to do?” and Star will fulfill that role, with a comprehensive calendar of events and full coverage of the what’s what, where and when in Toledo.
• Star will feature a more irreverent and envelope-pushing tone, with columnists exploring the local hip-hop/urban music scene, clubs and DJs and underground arts community. There will also be writers exploring trends in fashion, food and sex, in ways this market has never seen.
• Unlike Toledo Free Press, which is delivered to homes by Sunday, Star will be available at more than 700 single-copy locations on Wednesday. It will feature content and advertising for families and young professionals, but will also offer articles for more mature audiences, as it covers cutting-edge art, music and conversation. It will not be a shocking or extreme break from our established voice, but it will add new layers of flavor and spice to the mix.
• Because Star circulation will be single-copy with lower circulation, it will be an affordable vehicle for smaller businesses that wish to reach our readers, in print and online. We have already signed up more than two dozen major advertisers for Star, and we are grateful that so many businesses trust us with their message.

It is always exciting and scary to launch a new business or to expand a business. But we believe in the future of Toledo and its neighbors, and we believe that those who invest in its people will benefit as the area turns itself around and soars to new heights.

We are calling it Star for a reason; we have been reaching for them for five years, and with your help, will continue to shine for many, many more.

Thomas F. Pounds is Toledo Free Press president and publisher. E-mail him at tpounds@toledofreepress.com.

This entry was posted on Thursday, February 25th, 2010 at 10:27 pm and is filed under Opinion, Publisher's Statement.
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