Deborah Irwin, director of specialty publications for Orlando Sentinel Communications, today announced the expansion of the company’s Forum community newspapers into Orange County. The Orlando Forum, Winter Park Forum and East Orange Forum will debut Saturday, February 3. They join Orlando Sentinel Communications’ DeLand Forum, Deltona Forum and DeBary/Orange City Forum weekly newspapers which launched in 2005.

“Our Forum community newspapers have been well received by both readers and advertisers in western Volusia County and we want to build on that success,” said Irwin. “The Orange County Forum editions will cover the people, current events and activities in local neighborhoods, providing helpful, interesting and entertaining information and photos. And our unique distribution strategy will give local businesses the opportunity to target a very attractive geographic area.” Christopher Fister, editor of the Forum editions in western Volusia County, also will oversee content of the Orange County editions.

Weekly distribution of the Orange County Forum editions will total approximately 35,000. Copies will be available free of charge at approximately 300 retailers, restaurants, apartment complexes and newspaper racks throughout the county, in addition to sample copies delivered to selected households in Winter Park and the Waterford Lakes area.

Content for all Forum weekly newspapers is gathered by an editorial staff separate from the Orlando Sentinel’s newsroom, focusing on people-oriented stories, and community-based information and events. In addition, residents have the opportunity to contribute local news of interest. Christopher Fister, editor of the Forum editions in western Volusia County, also will oversee content of the Orange County editions.

The Forum newspapers will include display advertising, classified display and “in-line” (agate) advertising, and preprinted inserts. “Orange County is very fast-growing and that makes it highly prized by local businesses,” said Lou Stancampiano, vice president and director of advertising for Orlando Sentinel Communications. “The three new Forum newspapers will serve small businesses interested in limited geography as well as larger businesses who want to buy deeper than the daily newspaper to satisfy certain geographic needs.” The Orlando Sentinel’s existing sales staff will manage the new Forum editions’ advertising sales efforts.