Costa Mesa News Plans to Expand Distribution

Costa Mesa News, a small, weekly newspaper, plans to begin expanded distribution to 25,000 Costa Mesa homes on June 5, according to its publisher, Baker Communications Inc.

For the past 20 months, Baker has distributed about 1,000 copies of the 24-page paper--sold at racks for 25 cents apiece--to area shopping centers. The larger, free-circulation publication will be financed through ad revenues, said Roger Bloom, who heads the editorial staff.

Bloom said that circulation is being expanded because a sister newspaper, The Newport Ensign, has been successful in attracting more advertising and circulation over the past year. The newspapers’ combined staff will be increased by three to about 10, he said.