Sanity at last.
Having lived down there for many years, I know EXACTLY what their local rag is like. It is a local rag, and no matter which "locality" it serves (and you guys seem to think that makes a difference . . . ) it is still just that - a local rag.
No, it is more than that - it is one of the worst (most boring) local rags I have seen anywhere.
I know that it is fashionable on here to 'knock' the Evening Chronicle - but believe me (or don't!) but most local papers are FAR worse than the Chronicle.
The Newcastle Evening Chronicle is a success. It is well liked (loved even) by many, and it serves a duel role as a Newcastle paper and as the only regional (Evening) paper for North Eastern England. (IE, it covers the entire region).
It also sells a lot of copies (which would not happen if it was not liked).
It is, as you say, indeed a direct contrast to the London Evening Standard.
Gosh your blowing our minds with you local London knowledge.