North Squared Media has marked its first launch with the introduction of Rochdale Times – a new independent online news platform dedicated to serving the Rochdale community.

The venture, delivered in partnership with Crosby Associates Media, comes in direct response to the closure of Rochdale Online after 20 years, which left the town without a dedicated local news outlet.

Launched in January by former Daily Express Executive Editor Karl Holbrook, North Squared Media has moved to establish itself in the Northern media landscape and has already secured contracts with Prolific North, Blackburn with Darwen Council, CWA and others.

The launch of Rochdale Times represents its first launch, demonstrating the company’s commitment to sustaining and revitalising regional journalism at a time when local news platforms are under unprecedented pressure.

Karl Holbrook, director of North Squared Media, said: “Local journalism isn’t just important – it’s essential. When Rochdale Online closed, we saw an urgent need to step in. This isn’t just another hyperlocal news site – it’s about giving Rochdale back a voice that it needs.”

Holbrook, who was previously launch editor Express US, part of Reach plc’s multi-million-pound expansion into the US, added: “This might be a smaller-scale launch compared to some of my past projects, but it’s no less significant. If Rochdale gets behind this, we can build something truly valuable for the town.”

North Squared Media’s collaboration with Crosby Associates Media brings together decades of combined expertise in local journalism. Holbrook and Crosby MD Nick Fellows worked together at Newsquest. Fellows was regional MD for the North West and gave Holbrook his first editorship at The Bolton News. The pair have a strong track record of launches, including Salford City News during their time at Newsquest.

Rochdale Times follows a similar model of The Oldham Times, which Fellows established while at Newsquest following the closure of The Oldham Chronicle – proving that independent, community-focused journalism can thrive even in challenging media climates.

The launch is being supported by another Newsquest veteran, Mike Crutchley, of Mike Crutchley Media, who has more than two decades experience in local journalism across the NW. The former Bury Times editor said: “I live in Rochdale and want to make sure people are getting a quality news service that not only celebrates achievements within the borough, but isn’t afraid to ask the difficult questions. 

“We also want to be involved in the community and engaged with the big issues so we can be a catalyst to help make things happen.”

The Rochdale Times team is urging local residents and businesses to engage with the platform to ensure its long-term success:

• Readers: Follow, share, and contribute local stories – editorial@rochdaletimes.co.uk 
• Businesses: Explore advertising and sponsorship opportunities –
  sales@rochdaletimes.co.uk
• Writers & Experts: Submit editorial contributions – editorial@rochdaletimes.co.uk 

Holbrook emphasised: “This is a platform for Rochdale and its success depends on the community embracing it.”

ABOUT NORTH SQUARED MEDIA

North Squared Media offers a range of services, including PR, audience development, and media consultancy, designed to help businesses across the North tap into the region’s unique strengths and opportunities.

Karl spent almost two decades in the news media industry as a journalist and editor working around the world. He has launched major brands in New York and worked at the top of British journalism. He was Executive Editor of the Daily Express, Group Editor of The Northern Echo, Lancashire Telegraph and Bolton News and has worked for The Scotsman, Lancashire Post and has launched major digital initiatives across Reach Plc’s entire portfolio of brands from The Mirror and MEN to the Daily Record and WalesOnline. He has collected a number of prestigious industry awards along the way. He is passionate about helping brands to grow and is fiercely passionate about the North.

For more information, visit North Squared Media or contact Karl Holbrook at karl@northsquaredmedia.co.uk.