The first and only daily newspaper of the city of Nice and its region has undergone a makeover in recent months, introducing a new “tabloid” format for its regular readers.
The new Nice Matin is much more user-friendly with less cluttered pages and new sections, earning unanimous approval both at its headquarters on Route de Grenoble and among its readers.
With an average of 72 pages, Nice Matin aims to be more colorful and dynamic.
Furthermore, Nice Matin is finally making its debut in the local web scene by launching a blog, and promises a new website expected to launch soon.
To learn more, Nice Première spoke to Dominique Dabin, Editor-in-Chief of Nice Matin, who discusses his new project in Nice.
Nice Première: Mr. Dabin, the new Nice Matin formula has been launched, what was the process like?
Dominique Dabin: The final decision to switch to a tabloid format was made at the end of 2005, starting a three-month countdown that included:
- Designing the layout
- Producing zero issues
- Conducting reader tests
- Adapting local pages with the editorial team
- Conducting internal and external information training and test issues
- Launching the advertising campaign for the tabloid transition
NP: How have your readers, employees, and journalists at NM reacted to it?
DD: The reception from the readers has been excellent, exceeding our expectations, and the feedback has been positive and dynamic. There was a real surge of enthusiasm around the new product.
Internally, the tabloid symbolized the evolution and modernization of the company. It gave new hope and momentum.
NP: New pagination, new format… are there other surprises, especially on the web?
DD: Here are the latest and upcoming features:
- The editorial team’s blog online at our site www.nicematin.fr
- Corse-Matin in Berliner format (with new industrial equipment in Bastia)
- New website
- New editorial system
NP: Do you have an anecdote about preparing this new formula?
DD: Before April 8, everyone said “Three months, you’re crazy!”
After April 8, everyone said “Three months, you are strong”.
NP: Finally, if you had to describe the new Nice Matin in five words?
DD: It’s a modern, practical, redesigned, fluid, and essential newspaper.
