Formerly the Launceston Advertiser, the new-look Launceston Times, was launched last October at the Royal Launceston Show.

But renaming the publication was only the beginning, the paper has undergone a shift from human interest content and advertising to a hard news base.

The Examiner deputy editor Barry Prismall said the change had seen the Launceston Times become a competitive media outlet.

"The changes were to update and intensify the overage of news in Launceston and it has been well received. It is a must-read for locals."

The Launceston Times has been the first to bring readers many news stories within its concentrated local news coverage.

Stories you read first in The Launceston Times:

•SMS technology used to increase student attendance.

•Tasmania only state in Australia without red light cameras.

•Waverley Woollen Mills punished for falsely claiming clothing is Australian-made.

•Racism claims for Launceston, university starts anti- racism program.

•Teaching jobs at technical college at Inveresk in balance as ownership handover drags on.

•Launceston City Council talking to State Government about $20 maritime precinct at King's Wharf.

•Hydro Tasmania considering re-building the historic Duck Reach power station above Cataract Gorge.

•Launceston to host HQ for state water reform but will only get handful of jobs.

•Council housing strategy looking for more density in living.

•Launceston City Council re- signs general manager Frank Dixon for another three years, and he aims for better city sustainability.

•Council transport strategy aims to make city more people-friendly.

•Trees in parks tell story of climate change.

•Franklin Village being re- established as heritage precinct.

•Macquarie House to get $500,000 makeover and mud siltation forcing Sea Port boardwalk expansion.

•Launceston General Hospital likely to get multi-storey car park.