by Eric Marion

March 17, 2009

Divine Providence announced the introduction of its latest format, the Divine Providence "mini-news" on March 17, 2009.

After ceasing the weekly print edition in January 2009 and becoming an exclusively online publication, the newspaper redeveloped its business model and its delivery systems in early 2009. The first delivery system, its online presence, was modified several times following its initial introduction. The latest delivery system, called "mini-news", is scheduled to launch on Friday, March 20.

"Mini-news" was conceived by the paper's editor after advertisers and readers complained about the absence of print media targeting the Rhode Island GLBT audience following the paper's cessation of its print edition. Although two other GLBT print mediums exist, the print version of Divine Providence had carved out a niche in the GLBT market as a nightlife-oriented, newsbreaking publication which offered offbeat commentaries on the Ocean State's thriving gay community.

Amidst the closure of several print venues, the print media appeared to be facing a difficult future in Rhode Island and across New England. However, business owners and supporters of Divine Providence lamented to absence of a viable print media in which to publish weekly print ads despite this and other economic realities

Against this background, Divine Providence has innovated a novel approach to news delivery while leveraging its strong name-brand recognition. "Mini-news" will be a glossy 6'x4' club flyer with advertising information and a weekly club schedule (called "Hot Spots") on one side of the flyer, and headlines with photos and graphic design on the other. The flyer will advertise the newspaper's URL to drive readers online. The flyer will also provide a much-needed platform for print advertising and will be distributed along Divine Providence's former print edition distribution line.

"Mini-news" focuses on the nightclub demographic of Divine Providence's readership. The "Hot Spot" calendar lists happenings in downtown nightclubs and provides a space for glossy colored ads for club promoters and bar owners.

The third delivery system, a new approach to Divine Providence's well-known Downcity map, is expected to be launched in late March. That new format will also be in print but focus on disseminating information to Downcity visitors about businesses which cater to the GLBT community with a map of Federal Hill, Downcity, the Jewelry District, and the East Side.