Raleigh Newspaper Introducing Durham Publication On Saturdays

The Durham Herald Sun has been the dominant hometown newspaper for the last 100 years.

But the paper is about to get some company.

Next week the News and Observer makes a bold move -- it's launching a new paper, The Durham News.

"We want to be the strongest news source -- so we're investing more in coverage," said Melanie Sill, editor.

Although editors say it's been in the works for years, they admit the timing couldn't be better.

Durham's daily paper, the Herald Sun, changed hands last month.

After buying it, Paxton Media let go 25 percent of the employees.

The N&O took notice. They hired former Herald- Sun columnist Jim Wise, who had been with that paper for 23 years.

Wise says his move and the N&O's paper launch are a no-brainer.

"I think given community reaction to how the takeover was handled in January it seemed like an invitation if not a challenge for someone," Wise said.

The publisher and the editor of the Herald Sun refuse to talk about the News and Observer's move saying at this point the only thing they're focused on is their paper.

The Durham News will only have a Saturday edition but could eventually become bi-weekly.

The increased competition also means a price war. The N&O is slashing subscription prices in Durham. A year used to cost $158 dollars, now it's $49.