OXNARD – Former rivals the Ventura County Star and Lazer Broadcasting have teamed up to put out a new Spanish-language publication in an effort to reduce costs and share resources.
The publication blends Lazer’s print publication, Siglo21, and The Star’s former Spanish-language publication, Fronteras. It has taken the Siglo21 name, which translates as 21st century.
Fronteras, which was launched a year ago, was closed on April 9 in conjunction with the launch of the new Siglo21 — a free weekly newspaper serving western Ventura County.
The Star has had a Spanish-language publication in Ventura County for several years.
The Star’s publication that preceded Fronteras, Mi Estrella, was dismantled in early 2008 after four years.
The Fronteras model is syndicated and is published in other markets. Mi Estrella involved primarily locally-produced content.
Cogswell said Fronteras and Siglo21 found they were competing for the same readers and advertisers. “And frankly, we didn’t find that a winning solution. So the no-brainer was to bring the products together, share resources and remove duplicate costs.”
The publication appears on Thursdays at stores, bakeries and restaurants in Oxnard, Ventura, Camarillo, Santa Paula and Fillmore.